Permitting, consenting and compliance
CEA has supported the consenting of over 7GW of energy capacity across offshore wind, power cables and nuclear projects. Our technical knowledge and practical experience enable us to navigate regulatory complexity and provide clear pathways through the consenting process.
Why CEA
Why consenting is critical for energy project success
The UK’s energy consenting landscape involves overlapping jurisdictions, evolving regulations and detailed environmental assessment requirements. CEA’s approach integrates consenting strategies with project development from day one, managing risks and maintaining stakeholder confidence throughout.
Our team combines technical expertise and extensive experience across the energy sector. We understand that successful consenting requires alignment with technical specifications, commercial requirements and regulatory standards. CEA develops consenting strategies that align with our clients’ project programmes, budgets and risk profiles while building effective relationships with regulators and stakeholders.
The earlier you engage us, the quicker we can begin making a difference.
- Programme protection: Strategic consenting prevents delays that can derail project timelines and increase costs by millions.
- Risk management: Early identification of consenting risks enables proactive problem solving rather than expensive reactive measures.
- Regulatory relationships: Established relationships with key regulators can be the difference between smooth approvals and contentious processes.
- Stakeholder confidence: Well-managed consenting processes build trust with investors, lenders and communities from the get-go.
- Specialist advice on nuclear development: Nuclear specific expertise on Radioactive Substances Regulation (RSR) environmental permits and nuclear site licences.
- Strategic advice across all sectors: Our experience across offshore wind, power cables, and nuclear projects provides comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements.
Our service
Consents management and strategy
CEA combines technical knowledge with extensive experience in energy development. We bring high-value skills to complex regulatory requirements, ensuring projects remain technically and commercially viable.
CEA attaches the right people with the right expertise to each project. Our consenting strategies align with project programmes, budgets and risk profiles while maintaining effective communication with regulators and stakeholders.
- Strategic consenting planning: Early assessment of consenting requirements, risks and opportunities.
- Risk-based application development: Application preparation that addresses regulator concerns proactively.
- Regulatory relationship management: Active engagement with Planning Inspectorate, environment agencies, Marine Management Organisation and statutory consultees to address concerns early.
- Consents coordination: Integrated management of multiple consent streams – from Development Consent Orders and marine licences to environmental permits and protected species licences.
- Compliance monitoring: Ongoing discharge of consent conditions, variation management and regulatory liaison to ensure smooth transition from consent to construction and operation.
- Contentious issue resolution: Specialist support for complex regulatory challenges, objections and enforcement issues that require strategic intervention.
Get started
Get the consents you need when you need them
Energy consenting requires the right strategy and expertise to navigate complex regulatory requirements. CEA has the experience to support projects through all stages of development, from initial planning through to operational permits. Our team welcomes conversations about how we can support your project’s consenting requirements.