Why Traditional Consenting Can Be a Problem
In most countries, developers must go through a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before installing wind, wave, or tidal energy systems. This is true even if:
- The project uses a well-known, proven technology
- The site has low environmental sensitivity
- The array is small and temporary
These surveys can take years and cost millions. That’s a big barrier, especially for developers trying new technologies. It can also slow progress on national climate goals.
How Risk-Based Consenting Works
Instead of treating every project the same, a risk-based approach considers three key factors:
- Environmental Sensitivity: Is the project near protected habitats or endangered species?
- Technology Risk: Is the technology new and untested, or well understood?
- Project Scale: How big is the installation, and how long will it be in place?
Regulators use this information to decide how much survey data they need before issuing a license. In some cases, only limited pre-consent data might be required, and most of the learning can happen during operation. This is often called “adaptive management.”
The Role of Adaptive Management
Adaptive management is a “learn by doing” method. Instead of gathering all data up front, developers and regulators agree to monitor the project closely after it’s deployed. If problems appear, the project can be adjusted or paused.
This approach is especially useful for new or rapidly evolving sectors like offshore renewables, where full long-term data might not exist. It also helps regulators become more confident in technologies over time.
Real-World Example: The SDM Policy
One of the most recognized risk-based consenting frameworks is the Survey, Deploy, Monitor (SDM) policy from Marine Scotland. Under SDM, developers can:
- Use existing environmental data when appropriate
- Limit pre-deployment surveys to one year in low-risk cases
- Deploy with a license that includes post-deployment monitoring requirements
This makes it easier to test wave or tidal energy systems at small scale, while still managing environmental risk.
Benefits of Risk-Based Consenting
- Faster deployment: Reduces delays caused by lengthy assessments
- Lower costs: Cuts down on expensive surveys and paperwork
- Supports innovation: Helps small developers test new ideas
- Still protects nature: Tailors monitoring to the real risk
When done well, this approach creates a balanced system. Developers can move forward more quickly, and regulators still have the tools to respond if something goes wrong.
Challenges and Cautions
Risk-based consenting isn’t a shortcut. It requires:
- Clear legal frameworks that allow flexible licensing
- Strong collaboration between developers, scientists, and regulators
- Robust monitoring systems during and after deployment
Some countries may struggle to adopt this model due to administrative habits or lack of clarity in environmental laws. Without good communication, stakeholders may also misunderstand the purpose or feel excluded from the process.
Is Risk-Based Consenting the Future?
As climate targets become more urgent, governments are under pressure to scale up renewable energy without harming ecosystems. Risk-based consenting offers a smarter path forward. It allows more nuanced decisions that match real-world conditions.
Projects in remote, low-risk areas may soon benefit from simpler approval routes. In contrast, projects near marine protected zones may still require deep scrutiny. The key is matching the process to the risk—no more, no less.
With proper safeguards, transparent data, and adaptive feedback, risk-based consenting can help both developers and the environment win.
Wrap-Up
Risk-based consenting is not about skipping steps. It’s about aligning environmental review with actual risk. For offshore renewable energy, it provides a way to move faster and more efficiently, while keeping nature and public trust protected.
As the marine energy sector evolves, this approach could become the standard. Countries that implement it well will be better positioned to attract clean energy investment, meet net-zero goals, and protect their seas.
