NERC science powers £3.3 billion boost to UK offshore wind: with support from PML expertise

The report highlights how long-term NERC funding, channelled through its research centres, has provided critical data, tools, and insight that underpin the UK’s rapid offshore wind development – all while safeguarding marine ecosystems and biodiversity. 

As one of the five research centres cited in the study, PML’s expertise in ocean front mapping using satellite data has directly supported decision-making across the offshore wind lifecycle, from site selection to environmental impact assessments. 

‘An area of PML work that has been of relevance to the UK Offshore Wind industry has been through its work on ocean fronts. These are areas where coastal and deep-water ocean masses meet and mix, meaning they are often areas of increased biodiversity. Stakeholders have used this work to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), protecting them from development.’ 

[Extract from report] 

The report references the FRONTWARD project (Fronts for Marine Wildlife Assessment for Renewable Developments), led by PML’s Dr Peter Miller for The Crown Estate. Dr Miller said: 

“This study underscores the immense value of environmental science in delivering a cleaner energy future. We’re proud that PML’s remote sensing and modelling expertise is helping shape a sustainable offshore wind industry while protecting our vital marine ecosystems.” 

The FRONTWARD project team includes Principal Investigator Dr Peter Miller, in addition to Dr Andrey Kurekin, Dr Emma Sullivan, Dr Juliane Wihsgott, Dr Graham Quartly and Elin Meek. Last month, Dr Miller presented findings from this project in the webinar ‘Linking ocean fronts and biodiversity for evidenced marine spatial planning’, available to watch on demand here. 

PML’s Dr Peter Miller’s research on the relationship between ocean fronts and biodiversity hotspots has also been cited in the recent 2024 Offshore Wind Report by The Crown Estate. Other ongoing PML projects aim to produce future impact in the offshore wind industry, including ORIES, ECOWind, PELAgIO and ECOFlow, Frontline and EQUIFy. 

A 23-fold return on investment 

According to the report, NERC’s research investment has generated £3.3 billion in economic value to date (with an estimated range of £1 billion to £5.5 billion) – representing a 23-fold return on public investment since 2000. Looking ahead, this value could rise to £6.9 billion by 2050, supporting the UK’s long-term clean energy and climate goals. 

As of the end of 2024, the UK had 45 operational offshore wind farms, supplying 17% of national electricity and supporting 32,000 jobs – a number projected to exceed 100,000 by 2030. 

Benefits across the board 

NERC-funded environmental science, including PML’s contributions, is delivering measurable benefits for: 

• Government and regulators – stronger evidence for policy, marine planning, and biodiversity targets 

• Developers and investors – reduced costs, delays, and environmental risks 

• Local communities – job creation, infrastructure growth, and enhanced energy security 

• The public and the planet – progress toward net zero and better protection of marine biodiversity 

Supporting the future of offshore wind 

PML continues to play a leading role in major research programmes that support the sustainable expansion of the offshore wind sector.  

This report reaffirms the importance of long-term, science-based collaboration in delivering a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy system for the UK – with marine research institutions like PML at its heart. 

Read the full report ‘Economic impact of NERC on the development of UK offshore wind’ on the NERC website here >>