The Crown Estate is considering eight offshore wind farm extensions totalling 3GW off the coast of England and Wales, after closing the application process at the end of May.

RenewableUK executive director Emma Pinchbeck said the new capacity could “help deliver the industry’s vision for offshore wind as the backbone of the UK energy system.

There is huge appetite to invest in new offshore wind in the UK, which could create thousands of jobs and provide cheap power for consumers.”

Will Apps, head of energy development for the Crown Estate, said: “Extension projects have the potential to make an important contribution to the UK’s offshore wind pipeline, in line with the sector’s growing ambitions and in advance of potential new leasing (www.reneableuk.com) .

"Over the coming months, we will work closely with the successful applicants and our stakeholders to ensure careful consideration of environmental impacts and existing sea-bed users’ interests, ahead of any award of rights.”