Abstract
The guidance documents are intended to be available for regulators and advisors as they carry out their decision-making and for developers and consultants as they prepare consenting and licensing applications. This country-specific document presents an overview of regulations relevant for marine renewable energy development in the United States. It is not intended to replace any regulatory requirements or prescribe action for a particular risk. This document is intended to be read in conjunction with the background document.
Regulatory responsibility for marine renewable energy (MRE) in the Welsh inshore (0 - 12 nm) and offshore (12 - 200 nm, or the median line) zones falls to the Welsh Ministers and/or Natural Resources Wales (NRW), depending on project size (MW) and type of consent required. In Welsh offshore waters, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is the statutory nature conservation body (SNCB). Seabed leases, required to obtain development rights, are also required from The Crown Estate who owns most of the seabed around Wales. The primary consents and permissions for MRE projects in inshore and offshore Welsh waters are described in this document, and additional details on receptor- and impact-specific legislation and further guidance are also provided.