The Crown Estate (TCE) has published ‘Refined Areas of Search’ for potential futures sites for floating offshore wind.

In July 2022, TCE announced the potential locations of floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea. At that time TCE identified five ‘areas of search’ off the coasts of Cornwall and Wales with the intention to lease refined areas within these via competitive tender.

Two of the original five areas that TCE released have now been removed completely from consideration, while five smaller areas have been identified within three of the of the remaining areas. This refinement has taken place following engagement with multiple stakeholders.

The figure above presents the five Refined Areas of Search located within three of the original five broad Areas of Search.

In mid-2023, the tender process of seabed leasing for floating wind in the Celtic Sea will begin. The announcement from TCE can be read here.