Big Changes for Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm: What You Need to Know

In an effort to streamline the Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm project, the UK government has introduced some non-material amendments to the original development consent order. Here's a quick breakdown of what’s happening:

What’s the Change? The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm, initially greenlit in 2023, is set to undergo some adjustments. These modifications are officially coming into force on April 14, 2025. The changes focus on refining certain definitions and processes related to wildlife conservation strategies, specifically those aimed at safeguarding bird populations.

Key Amendments:

1. Definition Update: The term “offshore compensation measures” now specifically refers to the "offshore nesting structure". This is a move to clarify conservation efforts aimed at protecting bird species in offshore areas.

2. Guillemot Compensation Plan:

   • The guillemot compensation strategy now requires a submission to the Secretary of State after consulting with Natural England, local planning authorities, and the Alderney Wildlife Trust.
   • There’s a new emphasis on predator eradication methods as part of the compensation plan. The plan mandates that certain works cannot begin until the eradication efforts have been underway for at least two years and have been approved by relevant authorities.
   • Once the predator eradication is complete, the Secretary of State must be notified.

Why These Changes? The adjustments are designed to bolster the project's environmental responsibility, ensuring that the impact on local wildlife, particularly bird species like the guillemot and razorbill, is managed carefully. By requiring more rigorous consultation and approval processes, the government aims to maintain biodiversity while advancing renewable energy projects.

Who’s Involved? The amendments were signed off by John Wheadon, Head of Energy Infrastructure Planning Delivery & Innovation, under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This reflects the government's ongoing commitment to balancing energy development with environmental stewardship.

These changes might seem technical, but they play a crucial role in ensuring that the Hornsea Four project not only contributes to the UK's renewable energy goals but also respects and protects the natural world.