
A new report
ORE Outlook 2040 from the
Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, has called for rapid acceleration in energy generation from the sea to help the UK meet its ‘net zero’ targets by 2050. Led by Professor Deborah Greaves at the
University of Plymouth, the Supergen ORE Hub includes co-directors from a consortium of 10 universities. From
The University of Manchester, Professor Tim Stallard serves as a co-director and Dr Hannah Mullings is an early career researcher (ECR) co-lead.
The report, aimed at researchers, industry, policymakers, and the public, summarises the current impacts of climate change and the UK’s progress in reducing carbon emissions. It outlines offshore renewable energy deployment pathways needed for a just, sustainable and secure energy transition, with 2040 identified as a key milestone towards the UK’s 2050 ‘net zero’ goals.
Key findings from the report include:
Achieving
100 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 is critical, requiring a nearly seven-times increase in capacity. Radical innovation is essential to optimising and scaling up growth.
Tidal stream energy has the potential to grow alongside offshore wind and could reach over 11GW of capacity in UK waters. Rapid progress is required, to deliver the European Union’s SET Plan target of 6GW deployment of tidal stream by 2050.
Wave energy has significant potential, with an estimated exploitable resource of 25GW in the UK. Deployment of 12GW of wave and tidal stream by 2050 could add £40 billion GVA to the UK economy and reduce energy balancing costs by £1 billion annually. Investment in innovation over the next decade is crucial to achieving this potential.
Professor Stallard said: “The
ORE Outlook 2040 report highlights the high potential for offshore renewable energy sources to contribute to the UK meeting its ‘net zero’ goals. The growth required cannot be realised by upscaling current approaches alone and urgent action is needed to accelerate innovation and deployment.”
The report also explores ORE development through the lenses of planning and consenting, people, supply chain, and infrastructure and grid. Investment in research and innovation is highlighted as crucial to de-risking new technologies, reducing costs, improving performance and ensuring the UK retains its technological leadership on the global stage.
Dr Mullings said: “This report highlights the critical role of research and innovation in driving the growth of offshore renewable energy. Supporting early career researchers and fostering collaboration across disciplines is key to achieving sustainable and equitable energy solutions for the future."
The Supergen ORE Hub, established by the
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aims to deliver strategic and coordinated research on sustainable power generation and supply.