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The environmental organization is preparing to take legal action against the estate manager of King Charles, alleging it is exploiting its exclusive control over the seabed.

The group argues that the Crown Estate has increased costs for renewable power companies while boosting its own earnings and the monarchy's revenue through aggressive auctions for seabed rights.

As the legal owner of the seabed surrounding England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Crown Estate manages the sale of rights for sea-based wind projects. It has benefited significantly from the sector's growth, collecting large reservation payments from renewable energy companies aiming to obtain areas for wind power construction.

The estate reported a profit of £1.1 billion for the fiscal period concluding in March, twice the figure from just two years earlier.

Greenpeace UK's co-executive director remarked, "The seabed should be administered for the benefit of the public and common good, not viewed as an property to be exploited for profit and excessive bonuses."

He added, "It's essential to leave no stone unturned in seeking answers to reduce power costs that are creating difficulties for millions of households."

"Considering the importance of affordable bills and clean power to the national agenda, the chancellor should exercise her powers to call for 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 existing methods are lawful."

Greenpeace contends that the Crown Estate has a statutory duty to avoid misusing its monopoly status as seabed owner, but is currently violating this responsibility.

They expressed concern that the estate is limiting seabed supply to maintain high prices, which could hinder the growth of marine renewable energy in the United Kingdom.

The Crown Estate has allegedly rejected Greenpeace's allegations, stating that the organization has misinterpreted its statutory obligations.

Roughly twelve percent of the estate's earnings are directed to the monarchy to fund its activities. This percentage was reduced from 25% in 2023 to balance the surge in profits from marine energy ventures.

The United Kingdom's wind power industry is at a critical point as the government aims to double onshore wind and increase fourfold sea-based wind output by the 2030s.

The estate, which also holds a collection of London properties and countryside holdings, is worth at fifteen billion pounds. Its property in the city, centered around prime central areas, are estimated at £7.1 billion.

A spokesperson for the estate commented, "The group has misinterpreted our legal duties and auction procedures. Option fees are not set by the Crown Estate. They are established by companies through transparent bidding and reflect market demand at the moment. Since our net revenue is returned to the Treasury, option fees ensure that the public benefit from the fair value from using our limited and valuable seabed resource."

The spokesperson added, "We is speeding up offshore wind in accordance to national strategy to move forward the energy transition quickly and improve energy security."

The Treasury was approached for a statement.