The Crown Estate said yesterday it had launched an “industry engagement exercise” aimed at shaping the future of leases for wave and tidal projects in the UK.
“With 37 sites leased to date, the UK already has a global lead in the wave and tidal industry and the exercise aims to help the industry grow further,” said the Crown Estate.
The consultation invites developers of wave and tidal projects to share their visions of future schemes, including where and when projects may be developed.
It also seeks suggestions about how the Crown Estate could further improve the way it provides seabed rights, both in the forms of rights provided and the leasing processes itself.
A current wave and tidal leasing process will come to a close this autumn, said the Crown Estate.
Rob Hastings, director of the energy and infrastructure portfolio at the organisation, said: “Consistent with the long-term view we take across all our assets, it is important for us to understand how we can best help the UK’s portfolio of wave and tidal projects grow in future years.
“At the moment, development of offshore wind is of course a high priority and must continue apace for 2020 targets to be met.
“But looking ahead, we see excellent opportunities for wave and tidal to operate alongside offshore wind, in ways which maximise offshore renewable energy in the electricity supply mix and make optimum use of the marine estate.”
Results of the consultation will be announced in October.
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