The UK offshore wind power programme: A sea-change in UK energy policy?

►UK's offshore wind power programme potentially puts the country as a leader in renewable energy development. ►The UK planning system is more favourable towards wind power development compared to other EU states through the 'criteria-based' planning approach. ►Financial incentives are in place for provision of up to 30 per cent of UK electricity to be supplied from offshore wind power. ►Consumer reactions to electricity price increases will determine the size of the offshore wind programme.