6 March 2026 - Strategic Compensation Studies Legal Note

OWIC has sought legal advice to explore potential developer-led ornithological strategic compensation measure (DL-SCM) options to help address the challenges faced by Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) developers in securing compensation for the predicted adverse impacts of their projects on ornithological receptors. The DL-SCM has been progressed specifically relating to predation reduction with the intention that particular OWF projects may be able to rely upon this measure as part of their live consent applications.

The work completed to date has comprised two phases:

• Phase 1 – Whether a DL-SCM is lawful and practicable; and
• Phase 2 – Consideration of, and recommendations in respect of, the potential approach, structure, operation, and delivery body for the proposed predator-reduction DL-SCM.