Speaking about the success of the UK’s offshore wind sector earlier this month, Greg Clark — Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy — said this sector is a UK success story.
“We have the largest installed capacity of offshore wind in the world, and costs have fallen faster than anyone could have envisaged 10 years ago. Offshore wind’s share of annual UK generation increased from 0.8% in 2010 to 6.2% in 2017 — and it is expected to reach around 10% by 2020.
“In partnership with government, the offshore wind sector has flourished, demonstrating that it can deliver ever larger projects to predictable timescales and at ever lower costs, while creating skilled, fulfilling and well-paid jobs in communities around the country.
"There are more than 430,000 jobs in low-carbon businesses and their supply chains, employing people in locations right across the country — and 7,200 are directly employed in offshore wind.
“The Policy Paper ‘Offshore wind Sector Deal’ marks a significant deepening of the partnership between the Government and the sector.
To meet these aims, we are ensuring that we position the UK at the forefront of emerging opportunities by taking on Grand Challenges — four areas where, building on our existing strengths, we can capitalise on the technological and demographic transformations that will shape the world in the years ahead.
"Clean Growth is one of these, where we are maximising the advantages for UK industry from the global shift to clean growth. This Deal is a key milestone in furthering these ambitions.”
Mr Clark said the Deal will drive the transformation of offshore wind generation — making it an integral part of a low-cost low-carbon flexible grid system — and will boost the productivity and competitiveness of the UK supply chain.
“This focus on building the capability of our supply chain will allow companies to play a greater role in the UK’s global leadership in offshore wind generation, while enhancing their competitiveness internationally.
“These ambitions will be realised through an industry investment in the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership of up to £250 million, supporting better high-paying jobs right across the UK.
“Just 10 years ago, few people would have imagined that power from offshore wind could be a low-cost form of electricity. That is the reality today.
“Building on the 30GW of deployment that could be delivered through this Deal by 2030, we are working in partnership towards a future where green power is the cheapest power, with the potential to be delivered without public subsidy.”