Overview

This bill aims to control the development of offshore wind turbines in England and Wales. It proposes restrictions on their height, location, number, and operation, limits on connecting cables, and controls on subsidies.

Description

The bill introduces several key restrictions:

• Location and Height Restrictions: No new wind turbines can be built within 15 miles of the coast. Those built between 15 and 20 miles from the coast cannot exceed 100m in height (measured from the highest point of the blade). No group of turbines can contain more than 100 turbines, and no group can be within 15 miles of another. Turbines cannot be built within 20 miles of a World Heritage site.
• Operational Restrictions: Turbines in or near established bird migration areas cannot operate during migration seasons.
• Cable Restrictions: Connecting cables to the National Grid must be no longer than two miles inland, cannot run through National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or protected Habitats Directive areas, and onshore cables must run through tunnels.
• Subsidy Restrictions: Government subsidies for offshore wind farms built after the bill's enactment cannot exceed the prevailing wholesale electricity price.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government spending on subsidies for offshore wind energy projects. The exact financial impact is not specified in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Offshore Wind Energy Companies: Will face significant restrictions on turbine development and potential loss of government subsidies, impacting profitability and project viability.
• Environmental Groups: May have mixed reactions. Some may support the bill's environmental protections (e.g., restrictions near protected areas and bird migration zones), while others may oppose the restrictions on renewable energy development.
• Coastal Communities: May experience benefits from reduced visual impact of turbines or potential negative impacts from restrictions on job creation and economic opportunities associated with the wind industry.
• Electricity Consumers: May face higher electricity prices if the reduction in offshore wind energy capacity leads to decreased supply and increased reliance on other generation methods.

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