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Greenpeace is preparing to take legal action against the estate manager of King Charles, alleging it is abusing its exclusive control over the seabed.

The group argues that the Crown Estate has increased costs for renewable power companies while enhancing its own earnings and the monarchy's income through high-pressure bidding processes for seabed rights.

As the legal owner of the seafloor surrounding the UK's coastal waters, the Crown Estate manages the sale of offshore wind rights. It has profited greatly from the sector's growth, securing substantial option fees from clean power companies aiming to obtain zones for windfarm development.

The Crown Estate recorded a earnings of over a billion pounds for the financial year concluding in March, twice the amount 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 asset to be used for profit and excessive incentives."

He continued, "We must leave no stone unturned in seeking answers to lower energy bills that are creating difficulties for millions of families."

"Considering the significance of low-cost energy and clean power to the government's agenda, the chancellor should exercise her powers to call for an independent review of these bidding systems. If the issue isn't addressed before the next round, we may have to seek a legal ruling on whether the current practices are legal."

Greenpeace maintains that the estate has a statutory duty to avoid abusing its dominant status as proprietor of marine areas, but is currently violating this responsibility.

The group expressed concern that the Crown Estate is limiting seabed supply to maintain high prices, which could hinder the advancement of marine renewable energy in the United Kingdom.

The estate has reportedly rejected the group's claims, arguing that the organization has misinterpreted its legal duties.

Roughly 12% of the Crown Estate's earnings are directed to the monarchy to fund its operations. This share was lowered from twenty-five percent in recent years to offset the increase in profits from offshore wind ventures.

The UK's wind power industry is at a pivotal moment as the administration plans to double land-based wind power and increase fourfold offshore wind capacity by the 2030s.

The estate, which also includes a portfolio of London properties and countryside holdings, is valued at fifteen billion pounds. Its property in the city, located in Regent Street and St James's, are appraised at £7.1 billion.

A representative for the Crown Estate said, "Greenpeace has misinterpreted our legal duties and leasing processes. 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 income is returned to the Treasury, option fees ensure that taxpayers benefit from the appropriate return from developing our scarce and valuable seabed resource."

The representative continued, "The Crown Estate is accelerating marine renewable energy in line with national strategy to advance the shift to clean power quickly and improve energy security."

The Treasury was approached for a statement.