by: Rob Norris
The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng, has highlighted the importance of expanding the UK's rapidly-growing offshore wind supply chain in rebuilding the UK's economy during and after the pandemic.
Speaking on the third day of RenewableUK's online Global Offshore Wind 2020 conference at exhibition, he cited numerous examples of successful supply chain companies throughout the country, and told delegates: "Building the UK-based supply chain is key for me and Government. We will encourage the growth of our world-leading supply chain. UK companies are already taking advantage of this and we have compelling and dynamic story in this area".
He highlighted the key role of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, set up following the Offshore Wind Sector Deal by industry and Government, in developing the supply chain, noting that "The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership is starting to bear fruit". He said the Government's commitment to invest £160m in developing new infrastructure at UK ports would encourage further growth. The Sector Deal contains an agreement to increase the UK lifetime content of UK offshore wind farms to 60% by 2030 (from 48% currently).
Mr Kwarteng said: "In spite of the pandemic, the offshore wind industry has continued to make strides forward. The Prime Minister has underlined the role of offshore wind as we rebuild our economy by confirming our target of 40 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 and a new ambition of 1GW of floating wind by that date". He added that the UK is "well-placed to lead the world in fixed and floating offshore wind in the years to come. I've been heartened by the positive reaction we have seen from developers, from the supply chain itself and from investors".
He also highlighted the industry's newly-published best practice guide, "Diversity and Inclusion: Focusing on Gender and Ethnicity in the Offshore Wind Sector", saying "We can be proud that the sector is broadening its appeal and attracting people from diverse backgrounds".
He concluded that the UK already is on the right path in the run-up to COP 26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow next year, as we work to achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050.
His comments follow the publication of new research by RenewableUK this week which shows that the total pipeline of global offshore wind projects has grown by 47% since January, despite the pandemic. Our latest Offshore Wind Project Intelligence report reveals that the total capacity of offshore wind projects worldwide which are operational, under construction, consented, in planning or in development currently stands at 197.4 gigawatts (GW), up from 134.7GW in mid-January. Just over half of the pipeline (50.5%) is in Europe (99.6GW). The UK retains its top spot with a total pipeline of 41.3GW, up 12% since January when it stood at 36.9GW.
Notes:
- RenewableUK's members are building our future energy system, powered by clean electricity. We bring them together to deliver that future faster; a future which is better for industry, billpayers, and the environment. We support over 400 member companies to ensure increasing amounts of renewable electricity are deployed across the UK and to access export markets all over the world. Our members are business leaders, technology innovators, and expert thinkers from right across industry.
- The best practice guide, "Diversity and Inclusion: Focusing on Gender and Ethnicity in the Offshore Wind Sector", is available at owic.org.uk
The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) is a senior Government and industry forum established in 2013 to drive the development of the world-leading offshore wind sector in the UK. - Information on RenewableUK's Project Intelligence reports is available here
- Details on Global Offshore Wind 2020 are available here and #RUKGOW20. RenewableUK's full events programme is available here .
Contact:
Luke Clark, Director of Strategic Communications 07875 704 032Luke.Clark@RenewableUK.com
Robert Norris, Head of Communications 07969 229 913 Robert.Norris@RenewableUK.com
