Energy firm SSE has written to the UK Government asking it to increase its cap on the offshore wind power allowance.
SSE, who finished construction on the 84-turbine Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm this year, said the current Contracts for Difference (CfD) has “limited capacity” and does not fully take into account “the scale of the challenge”.
The current cap on offshore wind is restricted at six gigawatts (GW).
SSE argue that the current level was set “before publication of the CCC report and the Government increasing its own target to achieve Net Zero by 2050”.
The energy firm claims that upping the 6GW limit would be a “rational and proportionate step for the Government and next Prime Minister to take to back up its 2050 commitment with effective action”.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, SSE chief executive, said: “The net zero commitment is a positive development, but none of us should underestimate the scale of the challenge that it poses.
“Offshore wind will play a crucial role in providing affordable low carbon power and the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has suggested 75GW of offshore generation may be required by 2050, compared to 8GW today and 30GW targeted by the Government’s sector deal for 2030.
“Increasing offshore capacity in line with the CCC advice is challenging but achievable.
“Increasing the 6GW cap provides Government with an opportunity to show that it is serious about net zero and positioning the UK as a world leader in both the offshore wind sector and the fight against climate change.
“It can do this in a way which is quick, simple and cost neutral for consumers.”
