Offshore Energies UK has published new guidelines for companies entering the UK’s expanding offshore wind energy production industry.
The guidelines which are divided into seven sections, aim to address knowledge barriers in wind farm development, and to drive strategic supply chain investment.
They have been developed and co-ordinated by BVG Associates, an independent specialist renewable energy consultancy, and were launched at the 2025 Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow.
They describe in detail the processes for establishing a wind farm from first principles of leasing a sea area, to commercial market regulations and supply chain requirements.
They will help speed up the UK’s drive to greater reliance on sustainable homegrown electricity supplies in the face of continuing high costs and security risks around energy imports.
The guidelines include maps showing potential areas of opportunity for offshore wind farm development, the mechanisms of leasing agreements in different UK jurisdictions, consent, licensing, distribution, connections, and supply chain requirements.
The information will be invaluable for providing offshore wind farm operators and supply chain companies with a full picture of all the different agencies involved.
Mike Blanch, associate director at BVG Associates, said: “While the mature UK market has established development processes, they are spread across different tiers of government and government agencies.
“I hope users will find this guide useful in navigating the landscape and understanding who does what.”
Thibaut Cheret, wind energy manager at Offshore Energies UK, said: “The UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has set an ambitious target of 43GW-50GW of offshore wind by end of 2030.
“The previous Conservative and current Labour UK governments have both recognised the economic, social, and environmental benefits that offshore wind can bring. That includes job creation, enhanced energy security, and alignment with climate targets.”
