The UK government is considering exempting offshore windfarm projects from new biodiversity net gain (BNG) rules, according to sources. The rules, expected in May, would require nationally significant infrastructure projects to create 10% more nature than existed before development.
Energy firms argue that compliance costs would make it impossible to install enough turbines to meet the government's green energy goals. The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, is seeking ways to reduce offshore wind costs to avoid increasing energy bills, amid inflation and rising labour and materials costs.
The exemption would mean wind turbines do not have to compensate for habitat destroyed in shallow intertidal waters, which are prime feeding spots for seabirds like puffins. A government spokesperson said wind projects would instead pay into a marine recovery fund to offset environmental damage.
Industry group RenewableUK warned that mandatory BNG could create 'disproportionate costs or legislative challenges' for renewable projects. Environmental groups criticised the potential exemption, with Wildlife and Countryside Link chief executive Richard Benwell calling it a 'short-sighted decision' that wrongly trades off nature protection for climate action.
The move comes as the government also declines to ban destructive bottom-trawling in marine-protected areas. The BNG rules were due to be published last week but were delayed after a last-minute loophole was added for offshore windfarms.
