The Crown Estate has published a study by the British Geological Survey summarising the geological conditions of the Irish Sea that will provide a valuable resource for anyone considering development of offshore infrastructure in the region.
The study follows The Crown Estate’s publication of a wide range of data collected for the discontinued Celtic Array offshore wind farm, such as geotechnical and geophysical data as well as sediment sampling (available on theMarine Date Exchange). BGS undertook a detailed assessment of the Irish Sea, combining the Celtic Array data with the best available data from other sources, such as BGS legacy data, regional reports and site investigations by other industries.
The assessment is intended to provide an introduction to developers interested in the region to help inform broad decisions as to ground suitability, highlighting a range of geological factors to be considered in development activity located at a depth of between 0 and 50m of seabed.
Will Apps, Development Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, said: “By working in partnership with the BGS and development partners, we are harnessing the power of open data to help build a picture of this natural resource for different marine users. By making information easily available through the Marine Data Exchange we can help stimulate research, support academia and contribute towards the sustainable development of this part of the seabed, with the ultimate intention of unlocking value over the long term.”
Keith Westhead, Principal Marine Geologist at the British Geological Survey, said, “This collaboration with The Crown Estate is an excellent example of how our regional assessments of the seabed can be greatly improved through use of newly available high-resolution site investigation data. We were also able to work with researchers at Bangor and Liverpool universities, who had previously examined the Irish Sea data, to build on our existing knowledge and data to provide this enhanced geological assessment. We aim through such approaches to increase the application of geoscience to support offshore development and research across the UK Continental Shelf area.”
The study area (as shown) incorporates areas of the seabed extending up to the present day coastline within in the UK and Isle of Man waters. The assessment considered nearly 23, 500 km² and summarises topography, sediments and processes; the Quaternary history and its impacts; and a review of bedrock distribution and properties.
The report will be hosted on the Marine Data Exchange, which also provides access to wider environmental survey data and reports collated during the planning, building and operation of offshore renewable energy projects. It will also be made available through the NERC Open Research Archive (NORA).
The Crown Estate is an active asset manager of the UK seabed to unlock value from this natural resource, including awarding leases for offshore energy, marine aggregate extraction and cables and pipelines.
The Crown Estate:
- The Crown Estate is an independent commercial business, established by Act of Parliament.
- The Crown Estate’s portfolio is one of the most diverse anywhere in the world, including some of the UK’s most iconic assets:
- The entire UK seabed and around 50% of the foreshore.
- All of Regent Street and much of St James’s in central London;
- A UK top five portfolio of prime regional retail and leisure assets;
- One of the nation’s largest rural land portfolios;
- · The Crown Estate is manager of the UK seabed to the 12 nautical mile limit. The business holds the rights to generate electricity from wind, waves and the tides out to 200 nautical miles/the Continental Shelf under the Energy Act 2004; and rights to the transportation and storage of natural gas and carbon dioxide on the continental shelf under the Energy Act 2008
- 100% of its annual profits are returned to the Treasury for the benefit of the public finances.
- Over the last 10 years The Crown Estate has returned over £2.3bn to the Treasury. In the last financial year the value of the business rose to £11bn and its returns were £285m.
- Across its diverse portfolio, The Crown Estate’s approach remains consistent; driving sustainable returns and growth through an active approach to asset management and long term investment in four key sectors; Central London’s West End, prime regional retail, rural land and offshore wind.
- The Crown Estate’s history can be traced back to 1066. In the 21st century it is a successful, commercial enterprise, established as a market leader in its key sectors and known for a progressive, sustainable approach that creates long term value, beyond its financial return
The British Geological Survey
- · The British Geological Survey (BGS), a component body of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the nation’s principal supplier of objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and information for decision making for governmental, commercial and individual users. The BGS maintains and develops the nation’s understanding of its geology to improve policy making, enhance national wealth and reduce risk. It also collaborates with the national and international scientific community in carrying out research in strategic areas, including energy and natural resources, our vulnerability to environmental change and hazards, and our general knowledge of the Earth system. More about the BGS can be found at www.bgs.ac.uk.
