EDS has lodged its submission on the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill with the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee. The Bill proposes a new framework by which offshore renewables will be authorised. Submissions close on 6 February.

“The Bill is a step in the right direction,” says EDS Reform Director Greg Severinsen. “Offshore renewables, including offshore wind farms, will be an important piece of the solution when it comes to decarbonising the electricity sector.

“The Bill provides a process for deciding which competing renewables projects can go ahead but doesn’t deal with a situation where a different kind of activity (like seabed mining) may want to use the same space. Renewables may even be put at a disadvantage, because an applicant is not allowed to apply for RMA consent until a feasibility permit has been granted.”

The EDS submission is available to read here.