Government: 'Offshore wind energy will power nearly half of UK electricity by 2030'

‘Clean and green’ offshore wind is set to power more than 30 per cent of British electricity by 2030.

Announced today (March 7) by energy and clean growth minister Claire Perry, it ties in with the launch of the new joint government-industry Offshore Wind Sector Deal.

This deal will mean - for the first time in UK history - there will be more electricity from renewables than fossil fuels, with 70 per cent of British electricity predicted to be from low carbon sources by 2030, and over £40bn of UK infrastructure investment.

This is said to be the 10th Sector Deal from the modern Industrial Strategy signed by business secretary, Greg Clark.

It is backed by UK renewables companies, marking a change in the offshore wind industry. It could supposedly bring in around 27,000 jobs by 2030.

Claire Perry, energy and clean growth minister, said: “This new Sector Deal will drive a surge in the clean, green offshore wind revolution that is powering homes and businesses, bringing investment into coastal communities…

“By 2030 a third of our electricity will come from offshore wind, generating thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK, a strong UK supply chain and a fivefold increase in exports. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action.”

With the deal, the government ‘promises’ to provide over £4m pounds for British business to share expertise globally and open new markets for UK industry through a technical assistance programme.

This could help countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and the Philippines skip dirty coal power and develop their own offshore wind projects.

The deal will look to seize on the opportunities presented by the UK’s 7,000 miles of coastline, as the industry continues to be a coastal catalyst for many of the UK’s former fishing villages and ports.

Increased exports and strengthened supply chain networks could secure economic security for towns and cities across the UK.

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