Overview

This bill aims to control the development of offshore wind turbines in England and Wales. It seeks to limit their size, number, location, and operation, while also restricting government subsidies and regulating connecting cables.

Description

The bill introduces several key restrictions on offshore wind turbines within 20 miles of the English and Welsh coast:

• Location and Height Restrictions: No new 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). Groups of turbines must be spaced at least 15 miles apart, with a maximum of 100 turbines per group. Construction is prohibited within 20 miles of World Heritage sites.
• Operational Restrictions: Turbines located within 5 miles of known bird migration areas cannot operate during the migration season.
• Cable Restrictions: Connecting cables to the National Grid cannot extend more than 2 miles inland. They are prohibited from National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and protected habitats. Onshore cables must be placed underground in tunnels.
• Subsidy Restrictions: Government subsidies for offshore wind farms will be capped at the prevailing wholesale electricity price.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government spending on subsidies for offshore wind energy. The exact amount is not specified in the bill, but it will be dependent on the level of subsidy reduction applied to each individual wind farm.

Groups Affected

• Offshore Wind Energy Companies: These companies will face significant restrictions on the construction and operation of wind farms, potentially impacting profitability and project viability.
• Environmental Groups: The impact on these groups will be varied. Some may support limitations due to environmental concerns, such as bird migration and habitat protection, while others might oppose restrictions on renewable energy development.
• Coastal Communities: Local communities may have varied responses, with some potentially concerned about visual impact and others welcoming job creation and economic benefits associated with offshore wind farms.
• Taxpayers: The reduction in subsidies will directly or indirectly impact taxpayers as this will either lead to higher electricity prices for consumers or to reduced profits for the energy companies which may have knock on effects.

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