Competition, conflict and consequences: Offshore geospatial planning for the energy transition

The energy transition is driving an intense, yet largely unrecognised competition for offshore space. An increasing number of conflicts have emerged between renewable technologies, climate compatible carbon mitigation and the existing claims and interests of numerous stakeholders. Using the English sector of the North Sea as an exemplar for offshore geospatial planning, we investigate the factors that influence subsurface, seabed, water column and airspace use to demonstrate challenges that impact the management of offshore areas. Crucially, the oft-ignored role of the subsurface for energy security and geological storage to aid decarbonisation highlights the need to identify and reserve key resources. The results show that an interdisciplinary approach is needed to enable the effective and equitable use of offshore areas and develop dynamic spatial planning solutions. Adoption of a data-led, evidence-based strategy ensures trade-offs and opportunities are identified, understood and addressed through technically informed decision making. The outcomes help determine primacy in the event of sectoral conflicts to achieve a managed, orderly and just transition. They are transferable to other areas of the UK's Exclusive Economic Zone and applicable in other countries. In the UK, establishment of a single overarching regulatory body and introduction of a unified licensing regime would help ensure spatial challenges are recognised and resolved. The failure to address current deficiencies, weigh up alternative uses and shape priorities will inhibit the UK's renewable energy ambitions, impact offshore safety, threaten the country's ability to meet its net zero targets and delay the energy transition.