RenewableUK also suggests providing clear direction and leadership on decommissioning, including updating the existing guidance to recognise the complexity of the task and to take into account the technical, commercial, and environmental challenges that offshore wind farm owners face.

“We have a great opportunity to strengthen the UK’s energy security by leveraging existing offshore wind infrastructure – either by extending the lifespan of existing projects or by repowering sites with modern state-of-the-art models. Instead of losing offshore wind capacity, we could potentially increase it,” said Nick Hibberd , RenewableUK’s policy manager.