Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment

In May 2022, the Bat Conservation Trust responded to the government consultation run by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on its draft plan/programme for further leasing for renewable energy. While the consultation covered several renewable energy sources, our response focused on offshore wind farms since these have a direct impact on bat populations. While we firmly believe that research on bats and offshore wind turbines needs to be prioritised, a number of measures based on the precautionary principle and on best available scientific evidence can help reduce bat fatalities in the immediate future. You can download our full response HERE which includes pertinent references.