Powering through change: delivering two DCOs for Morecambe

Delivering one Development Consent Order (DCO) is a milestone moment for any renewable energy project — but delivering two DCOs consecutively, through pre-application, examination and beyond, represents an extraordinary team achievement.

Over recent years, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring forward two DCOs for the Morecambe offshore wind project: One for the windfarm site itself and the other for the transmission assets required to connect into the grid. Collectively the projects will contribute to the UK’s journey towards net zero. Both projects have demanded the highest levels of technical expertise, collaboration, and commitment — and together they stand as a testament to what can be achieved through determination and shared purpose.

Navigating change and maintaining momentum

One of the defining challenges of this journey has been managing a period of significant transition. The Morecambe project underwent a change in ownership partway through development — a major shift that required clear communication, careful coordination, and an unwavering focus on maintaining progress.

Transitions of this scale are never simple. They introduce new priorities, processes, and expectations. Yet thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our teams, we ensured continuity and clarity throughout, preserving the integrity of the projects and keeping momentum strong.

An unprecedented collaboration

Adding to the complexity (and the opportunity), one of the two DCOs was delivered as a joint application with another developer, marking an unprecedented partnership, not just in the renewable energy sector, but for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) as a whole.

Co-developing a DCO is rare, and with good reason: it requires both organisations to align on technical design, environmental strategy, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery — all within the strict timelines of the Planning Inspectorate’s examination process. This approach also allowed for joint assessments and engineering work to take place with the aim to reduce potential impacts to the environment and the community.

Despite these challenges, the partnership proved a success. Through open communication, joint problem-solving, and mutual respect, we combined our collective expertise to deliver a comprehensive and well-supported application. This collaboration not only demonstrated the power of shared ambition but also set a new benchmark for how large-scale renewable projects can be delivered in partnership.

Examinations: a true test of teamwork

The DCO examination process represents the most detailed and demanding stage of early project development. Across both DCO projects, our teams came together — supported by consultants, legal experts, and technical specialists — to present robust cases that demonstrated the environmental and technical merits of our proposals.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the team, who faced its share of challenges, particularly in engaging stakeholders and managing complex issues. However, the team persevered and engaged constructively with the Examining Authority, statutory consultees, and local stakeholders, working transparently to address questions and refine our proposals. This collaborative approach ensured that both projects emerged from examination stronger, better understood, and well-positioned for successful delivery.

It’s been a privilege to work alongside such an incredibly hardworking and committed team (past and present). Everyone has pulled together with focus, professionalism, and good humour even in the busiest moments.

Engagement at the heart of delivery

We believe that renewable energy projects succeed when they are built on strong relationships with the communities and stakeholders they serve. From early consultation through to the close of the examinations, we have placed engagement at the centre of our approach. Feedback from local authorities, environmental bodies, and stakeholders has directly shaped key aspects of design and mitigation.

By maintaining open and transparent communication with all relevant parties, we have been able to build strong working relationships and mutual understanding.

This proactive engagement has allowed us to identify and address key matters, ensuring that concerns are acknowledged and resolved as far as practical. Through regular dialogue and collaboration, we have strengthened partnerships, aligned expectations, and supported effective decision-making, ultimately enhancing the overall success and sustainability of our initiatives.

Looking ahead

As Morecambe awaits its decisions from the Secretary of State, we’re taking pride in what has been achieved. Not only in the delivery of two DCOs through ownership transition, but also in pioneering a successful developer-developer collaboration that pushed new boundaries in our sector. The past year has been challenging and rewarding, and the progress could not have been accomplished without the teamwork, dedication, and determination of the Morecambe team.

These experiences have reinforced our belief that adaptability and teamwork are essential to delivering the renewable infrastructure the UK needs. We hope that development consent will be granted before the end of 2025, allowing the project to move into construction and generation, and ultimately deliver meaningful progress towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future.