ENERGY firms are being invited to bid for the chance to install more offshore wind turbines off the coast of Barrow.

The Crown Estate, which manages British land and sea assets, has released a list of proposed areas of seabed to be considered for future windfarm developments.

The Crown Estate works with the offshore wind sector and stakeholders to consider making new seabed rights available for offshore wind.

The five regions identified for future development includes the Irish Sea.

These regions have been identified on the basis that they are technically feasible.

RenewableUK's chief executive Maf Smith said: "As someone who began his renewables career in Barrow in Furness, its great to see the North West a candidate area for future leasing."

Jonny Boston, senior development manager at The Crown Estate, said: "We are pleased to share the work we’ve undertaken since the summer to refine our initial proposals for Round 4, building on the extensive and constructive feedback we received from statutory bodies and the market.

"To reach this point, we’ve undertaken significant analysis, in close engagement with statutory stakeholders, to help build a detailed picture of seabed resource and constraints around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"We will continue to refine this work as we progress with our plans, helping build the evidence base to reduce consenting risk, balance a range of needs on the seabed, and ensure developers are well placed to bring the strongest possible projects forward."