Plans for new marine conservation zones around the English and Welsh coastline could undermine investment in offshore renewable programmes, a leading industry body has warned.
Twenty seven new conservation zones along the coastline were announced last week by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs following a consultation process.
Two further ones will be considered for possible designation in the future, following further investigations, with dozens more to be looked at by 2016.
But the possible impact on the new zones on offshore energy schemes has sparked concern among renewables groups that it could stymie investment.
“Although we now know the boundaries of the new MCZs, we don’t know the specific conditions which apply to each MCZ,” said Dr Steph Merry, head of marine renewables at the Renewable Energy Association.
“This uncertainty will inhibit development. We hope Defra will move quickly to publish clear management measures so developers know precisely how their work will be affected in each MCZ.
“There remains a lingering uncertainty over the remaining sites and the possibility of new site proposals. We hope the MCZ programme will stay the course, complete on time and restore certainty to developers.”
