Offshore windfarm companies in the UK may receive exemptions from new environmental regulations aimed at protecting natural habitats, according to sources. Energy firms are expressing concerns that stringent rules for nationally significant infrastructure projects (Nsips) could hinder their ability to construct the number of wind turbines necessary to meet government renewable energy targets.
The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, is reportedly seeking strategies to lower the costs associated with building offshore wind projects to prevent potential increases in energy bills. Factors such as inflation, labor costs, and material expenses are contributing to the overall financial challenges of these developments, alongside the necessary upgrades to the energy grid for handling increased electricity output.
New planning rules from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), scheduled for implementation in May, will require all Nsips—including nuclear power plants, airports, and road schemes—to enhance local biodiversity during the construction or expansion of projects. The biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement entails creating 10% more natural habitat than was present prior to the initiation of a project, which may involve tree planting or wetland creation.
Although the announcement regarding these rules was anticipated recently, it has reportedly been delayed due to discussions around a loophole that would exempt offshore wind farms from the BNG requirements. Specifically, these projects would not be required to compensate for habitats affected in intertidal waters that serve as key feeding areas for seabirds.
In response to these changes, a government spokesperson indicated that offshore wind projects would contribute to a marine recovery fund designed to mitigate environmental damage. The ongoing consultation process aims to develop consistent regulations, but no final decisions have yet been made.
Concerns have been raised by industry stakeholders about the potential impact of mandatory BNG on the viability of renewable energy projects. The RenewableUK group emphasized the need for a balance to avoid creating barriers to the development of initiatives that address climate change.
As the government seeks to achieve clean power targets by 2030, questions remain regarding the overall sustainability of exempting offshore wind projects from biodiversity regulations while maintaining progress toward energy goals.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/28/offshore-windfarm-projects-may-be-exempted-from-new-uk-nature-rules