The UK offshore wind industry today released its vision as part of an agreement to work on a Sector Deal with the UK Government for 2030.
The plan would see £48million invested in UK offshore wind infrastructure alongside the introduction of a further 11,000 jobs in the sector.
The deal would look to a have a positive impact on previously neglected coastal areas, with the addition of ‘billions of pounds worth of export opportunities’.
Baroness Brown said: “The challenge for the offshore wind industry and Government is to ensure that we capitalise on our world-leading position in a highly competitive, global market and deliver on the huge potential for jobs, new infrastructure, exports and economic growth. This will also allow us to continue to achieve significant cost reductions, helping energy consumers.
“With an ambitious Sector Deal, we have the opportunity to take the next transformative steps together, enabling the offshore wind industry to help Government to achieve its clean growth ambitions in a way that boosts productivity and growth throughout the UK.”
As part of the deal the industry aims to generate one third of the UK’s electricity from offshore wind by 2030.
Working as part of the UK Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, the offshore wind industry look to double its capacity from 13GW deployed or contracted today, to 30GW by 2030.
Benj Sykes, Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, said “We’re absolutely delighted that Baroness Brown will be championing this deal on behalf of our sector. She brings a wealth of experience from her positions across business, government and academia. Her knowledge and skills will be invaluable as we continue to work with the Government to deliver the UK’s Clean Growth Strategy.
“We’re working together as a Sector to partner with the UK Government and deliver our ambitious vision for the future of offshore wind. This deal comes at the right time for the Offshore Wind Sector; we have grown rapidly and reduced costs much faster than anticipated. The Sector is now at a critical turning point and must seize this opportunity to reach its full potential with a transformative deal. Our proposals show how the innovative offshore wind industry can drive economic growth throughout the UK, attracting billions in investment, driving growth in coastal communities which need new opportunities, whilst generating affordable and clean energy.”
“The UK is the global leader in offshore wind and further joined-up thinking will help to consolidate this position, creating a world of opportunities. The 2030 Vision will see the UK increase investment and manufacturing at home, while also boosting international export. It will build on the success story so far for offshore. The Government and the industry have worked well together for over a decade to deliver major environmental benefits, support thousands of jobs and encourage record levels of private sector investment.”
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