Analysis commissioned by
UK Steel shows that in the last five years less than 2% of steel used in UK wind farms was fabricated in the UK, and almost none using UK made steel. Despite having the capacity to produce over half of the steel needed for offshore wind, the UK remains overwhelmingly reliant on foreign steel to achieve ‘net zero’ for energy generation in the UK. Research shows the British steel sector can already supply up to 13 million of the 25 million tonnes of steel needed for offshore wind over 25 years and with the right investment, this could soar to meet almost all of our future steel requirements for offshore wind expansion.
The urgency for a strong domestic steel industry extends beyond renewables and is now a national security imperative. Offshore wind experts,
LumenEE, point out that uplifting UK steel capacity and capability will mutually benefit national defence needs. Yet, underinvestment in fabrication and production facilities is holding the industry back, risking our ability to meet demand, secure national supply and support the manufacturing of defence products — locking the UK out of a £21 billion economic opportunity in offshore wind and beyond.
With a decisive business plan yet to be set out in the Steel Strategy and the National Wealth Fund, UK mills could bridge the gap between supply and demand. The statistics released today show steelmakers could meet up to 86% of offshore wind plate requirements with investment. This means keeping billions in the UK economy, securing thousands of skilled jobs, and ensuring Britain has the infrastructure to support its own industrial future, instead of handing billions to overseas steelmakers.
Gareth Stace, director-general, UK Steel, said: “LumenEE’s research is clear that investing in UK steel is about securing our own supply, controlling our own future, and ensuring British industry is not left behind. If we want to build the next generation of infrastructure, from offshore wind farms to defence and transport networks, we need to produce the steel here at home.
“With the right investment, we can turn this around and put UK steel at the heart of our energy and security future. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build our industrial strength and reduce our dependence on foreign steel. The Government must act strategically to ensure Britain has a steel sector fit for the future and meets growing security and energy project demands.”