British Energy Security Strategy

• The BESS created the Offshore Wind Acceleration Taskforce, a group of industry experts brought together to work with Government, Ofgem and National Grid on further cutting the timeline.

• When it ended in April 2023, Offshore Wind Champion, Tim Pick, who co-chaired the Taskforce, published a report, outlining seven areas of opportunity for industry, government, and the Crown Estates to accelerate the deployment of UK offshore wind farms.

• The BESS also set out that we will reduce the time it takes to get planning consent by:

• strengthening the Energy National Policy Statements, which Government are consulting on;

• reviewing the way in which the Habitats Regulations Assessments are carried out;

• implementing a new Offshore Wind Environmental Improvement Package;

• establishing a fast-track consenting route for priority cases where quality standards are met.