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Report sets out new recommendations to extend the lifespan of offshore wind farms to boost UK’s energy security


A report published by RenewableUK sets out key proposals to enable the operational lifespan of offshore wind farms to be extended, as well as recommendations for the development of the best decommissioning options for offshore wind farms.The UK’s first offshore wind farm began generating clean power in 2000, and several of the older projects are currently entering the final stages of their lifespan. Collectively, their capacity of five gigawatts is enough to power nearly four million homes. Before any offshore wind farm project can go ahead, developers must have decommissioning plans in place, which are updated throughout the lifespan of each project.


The report, ‘Developing effective end-of-life policy frameworks for UK offshore wind’, identifies several recommendations for Governments, including:


• Clarifying policies on extending the lifespan of offshore wind farms to get greater value from existing sites, as the UK risks losing 5GW of offshore wind by 2035, which is one-third of our total offshore capacity.


• Developing measures for repowering offshore wind farms, including exploring extending leases, building on recent positive steps by the Government, such as developing onshore wind repowering policies for upcoming auctions for new clean power projects (in Allocation Round 7 and beyond).


• Providing clear direction and leadership on decommissioning, including updating the existing guidance to recognise the complexity of the task and to take into account the technical, commercial and environmental challenges which offshore wind farm owners face.


Skanska’s Emma Haddow named in Top 20 Women in Ground Engineering


The list shines a spotlight on female trailblazers, thought leaders and innovators who have had an impact on the industry.


Emma has worked in the piling sector for over 20 years and has experience in design, project delivery and bidding. Currently operating as Cementation Skanska’s Business Stream Director in Scotland, she has played a key role in increasing our presence in the Scottish market – helping to secure South Clyde Energy Centre, Sheild’s Road and The Keystone Building at Glasgow university.


Katy Dowding, Skanska’s President and CEO said “Huge congratulations on being chosen as one of the Top 20 Women in Ground Engineering this year, a thoroughly well-deserved accolade. It is great to see your hard work and outstanding contribution being celebrated.”


Emma worked for Skanska’s piling and ground engineering business, Cementation Skanska early in her career and re-joined the business in 2022.


Courtney Ferguson, Project Engineer said “Emma believes in people and inspires them to succeed. She is a constant support for everyone.


Kier appointed by Scottish Government to deliver vital new prison in Glasgow


Kier has been awarded a £683.8m contract by the Scottish Government to deliver a major new prison project that will provide a much-needed replacement for Scotland’s largest prison, the 143-year-old HMP Barlinnie.


The leading contractor will utilise its extensive experience within the justice sector to provide a high specification, safe and secure facility that is focused on reducing reoffending and creating a safe working environment for staff.


HMP Glasgow will have a capacity of 1344 and will be completed in 2028. Kier has been on site since October 2023 carrying out early works to remediate the complex brownfield site, which once housed a gas works, for the main construction process.


The use of this site, close to the centre of Glasgow, will see a disused parcel of land being put to good use, while bringing maximum economic benefit to the city through the use of local labour and businesses.


The support needed to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects


Large-scale infrastructure projects drive economic growth by improving transportation, connectivity, and public services. However, they demand significant human resources and logistical coordination. Modular construction streamlines these processes, offering efficient workforce support.


One key benefit of modular construction is its ability to shorten project timelines. Prefabricated modules are built offsite while site preparations occur simultaneously, enabling faster project delivery. For example, essential infrastructure like offices and accommodation can be installed in weeks rather than months.


Modular solutions also provide adaptability, allowing quick adjustments as project needs evolve. Expanding worker accommodations or repurposing buildings becomes seamless, ensuring infrastructure aligns with changing demands.


Additionally, modular construction optimises resources by reducing costs, material waste, and reliance on specialised onsite labour. Rental options further enhance cost-efficiency. With sustainability at the forefront, modular buildings promote eco-friendly practices and can be reused or recycled. This innovation supports complex infrastructure projects with speed, flexibility, and sustainability at their core.


Clean power by 2030 one step closer as proposed new, fast-track grid connections system is unveiled


Radical reform to fast-track cheaper, cleaner power plugging into the electricity grid is one step closer to becoming a reality, Ofgem has announced.


The new connections system, which could be in place in spring 2025, would end the first-come, first-served system where clean energy generation or storage projects that we need cannot get plugged into the grid quickly enough, with some waiting a decade or more.


Under proposals published today, projects would be fast-tracked if they can be operational quickly and are needed to hit the government’s clean power targets for 2030. This new system, which prioritises projects that are “ready” and “needed” would see accelerated new offers made by the end of the year, with the first connected and operational from 2026.


Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director General for Infrastructure, said “This is a step change in tackling delays and shortening queues on what is currently an outdated and unwieldy system. It is key to achieving the Clean Power mission by 2030.


“Britain will not get a clean power grid by 2030 unless an unprecedented volume of new renewable power and storage is connected to electricity networks – that’s why we’re cutting back the red tape and replacing the out-of-date connections system.


4 Winter 2025 M34


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