Greenpeace is preparing to take legal action against the estate manager of King Charles, claiming it is exploiting its exclusive control over the seabed.
The group argues that the Crown Estate has driven up costs for renewable power companies while boosting its own profits and the royal family's revenue through aggressive bidding processes for seabed rights.
Being the official proprietor of the seafloor surrounding England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Crown Estate manages the auctioning of rights for sea-based wind projects. It has benefited significantly from the industry's expansion, securing substantial reservation payments from renewable energy developers aiming to secure zones for wind power development.
The Crown Estate recorded a profit of over a billion pounds for the fiscal period concluding in March, twice the amount from just two years prior.
Greenpeace UK's co-executive director remarked, "Our marine territory should be administered in the interest of the public and common good, not treated as an property to be exploited for financial gain and large incentives."
He added, "It's essential to leave no stone unturned in seeking solutions to reduce power costs that are causing hardship for millions of families."
"Considering the importance of low-cost energy and clean power to the national agenda, the finance minister should use her authority to request an external examination of these auction processes. If the problem isn't addressed before the subsequent phase, we may have to let the courts decide on whether the current practices are lawful."
Greenpeace contends that the estate has a legal obligation to avoid abusing its dominant status as seabed owner, but is currently violating this responsibility.
The group voiced worries that the estate is restricting available marine space to keep costs elevated, which could hinder the advancement of offshore wind power in the UK.
The Crown Estate has allegedly dismissed the group's allegations, stating that the organization has misinterpreted its legal duties.
Approximately twelve percent of the estate's earnings are directed to the royal family to support its activities. This percentage was reduced from 25% in 2023 to offset the surge in income from marine energy ventures.
The United Kingdom's wind energy sector is at a critical point as the government plans to double land-based wind power and quadruple sea-based wind capacity by the end of the decade.
The Crown Estate, which also holds a portfolio of real estate in the capital and rural estates, is valued at £15 billion. Its London assets, located in Regent Street and St James's, are appraised at over seven billion pounds.
A representative for the Crown Estate commented, "The group has misunderstood our obligations and auction procedures. Reservation payments are not set by the Crown Estate. They are determined by companies through transparent bidding and reflect industry interest at the time. Since our net revenue is returned to the Treasury, option fees ensure that the public gain from the fair return from using our limited and precious marine territory."
The spokesperson continued, "We is accelerating offshore wind in accordance to government policy to move forward the shift to clean power rapidly and improve energy security."
The finance ministry was contacted for a statement.
