Offshore windfarm projects may be exempted from new UK nature rules

Exclusive: Firms say added costs would mean they are unable to install enough turbines to meet green energy goals

Offshore windfarm companies may be exempted from new UK nature rules in an attempt to keep down the cost of renewable energy, the Guardian has learned.

The energy firms have said they would be unable to build the vast number of turbines required to meet the government's green electricity goals if they have to meet new rules for nationally significant infrastructure projects (Nsips).