Today there are more than 3,000 turbines either in operation or under construction in the UK’s waters. Considering that the first turbine was only installed 20 years ago, this represents a staggering level of growth. However, even when you combine the 10GW of installed capacity and the 10-15GW pipeline of consented projects, the industry still has its work cut out to install 40GW by 2030. So what needs to happen to ensure this target is met and to help deliver the UK’s net zero 2050 goal? Move away from project-by-project consenting Olivia Thomas, head of marine planning at the Crown Estate, says the industry has reached a point where a strategic approach is needed to address some of the environmental interactions the industry has as a whole. “We need to be thinking smartly about what we have by way of data and evidence and look at the information that is provided by industry at the post-consent monitoring point.” Thomas refers to the Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme (jointly sponsored by BEIS, Defra and the Crown Estate) as an example of cross-governmental support “recognising that we need offshore wind, but we need it in a way that doesn’t impact the marine environment”.