30% of the UK's electricity is projected to be generated by wind power by 2030, under new plans announced by the government. The deal will see the offshore wind industry invest £250 million over the next 11 years with the government pledging £557 million of investment which will help ensure British companies are world leaders in new areas such as robotics, floating wind farms and larger turbines.
The move will help the UK towards an aim of getting almost all of its power from low-carbon sources.
Offshore wind generated just 6.2% of the UK power needs in 2017. The deal proposes offshore wind will produce 30 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 with the green power “revolution” expected to create 27,000 jobs, many of them in coastal regions from the north of Scotland through Norfolk and Suffolk right to the Isle of Wight.
“This new sector deal will drive a surge in the clean, green offshore wind revolution that is powering homes and businesses across the UK, bringing investment into coastal communities and ensuring we maintain our position as global leaders in this growing sector,” said energy minister Claire Perry.
Energy UK’s chief executive, Lawrence Slade, said the deal will “further cement the UK’s position as a world-leader in offshore wind”.
“The offshore wind industry has been a great success story for the UK, bringing thousands of skilled jobs and billions in investment while delivering clean energy at an ever-falling cost to customers.”
Industry body RenewableUK said the deal was about creating opportunities for the diverse array of people who would be part of the new workforce.
