UK offshore wind industry reveals 2030 plans

The UK offshore wind industry has said that it will work with the UK Government on a deal that may deliver thousands of additional skilled jobs in coastal areas. The industry aims to generate a third of the UK's electricity from offshore wind by 2030.

The industry will enter into a period of engagement with the Government on the prospectus. Included in the industry's vision for 2030 are:

• a £48 billion investment in the UK's infrastructure;
• a five-fold increase in export value to £2.6 billion per year;
• 27,000 skilled jobs in coastal areas across the UK, up from 11,000; and
• a £2.4 billion per year reduction in total electricity system costs, which will in turn reduce costs to consumers.

Analysis by the sector has shown how the growing global offshore wind market is expected to reach over £30 billion per year by 2030, presenting export opportunities for the UK. If a deal is agreed the industry expects that it will grow its export value five-fold by 2030.

The Government's Clean Growth Strategy means that the industry will more than double its capacity by 2030, from 13GW deployed to 30GW. The additional capacity will generate affordable and clean electricity for UK businesses and consumers, having a direct impact on supply productivity and efficiency and benefiting other sectors.

Baroness Brown of Cambridge, the UK's low carbon business ambassador and vice-chair of the Committee on Climate Change, will lead the sector's engagement with the UK Government. She said: "With an ambitious sector deal, we have the opportunity to take the next transformative steps together, enabling the offshore wind industry to help government to achieve its clean growth ambitions in a way that boosts productivity and growth throughout the UK."