The UK’s place as world’s largest offshore wind market has been retained for another year, according to data published by RenewableUK at the Global Offshore Wind 2018 conference in Manchester today.
New figures show the UK holding top spot as the largest offshore wind market in the world with a portfolio of 35.2GW, followed by Germany (23.4GW), Taiwan (8.3GW), China (7.7GW) and the USA (7.5GW) as the world’s top five.
The data also shows that the top five countries share just under 80% of the global market.
The UK’s top position has been held by the number of Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction winners managing to secure a delivery price cheaper than new gas and nuclear power plants, claim RenewableUK.
The offshore wind industry in the UK recently announced details of its 2030 vision for the sector which would see 30GW of operational capacity installed by the end of the next decade, providing 30% of UK power needs (up from 7.1GW at present).
RenewableUK claim this would lead to a doubling of jobs to over 27,000, with industry is currently working with Government on a Sector Deal to secure this.
Between 2017 and 2021 investment in new offshore wind capacity is expected to total over £18.9bn.
Hugh McNeal, RenewableUK CEO, said: “Our industry is already delivering for the UK and we want to go further, with offshore wind as the backbone of a clean, reliable and affordable energy system. To achieve this ambition, the industry will invest tens of billions of pounds, creating thousands of skilled jobs and supporting prosperous communities across the UK.
Offshore wind is a global growth opportunity and a major energy source. The sector will be worth over £30bn worldwide by 2030 and UK companies must be ready to seize opportunities in new markets. We are transforming the UK supply chain, as we grow our exports five-fold by 2030.”
Jonathan Cole, managing director for Offshore Wind at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “The UK continues to lead the world in offshore wind, and the industry here is in a strong position to capitalise on export opportunities in growing markets across the globe. We have the skills, knowledge and expertise that other markets need.”
Recommended for you
