A THIRD of British electricity could be generated by offshore wind farms by 2030, the UK Government has said as it unveils a new deal.
Offshore wind currently provides around 7% of British power, but that could increase to more than 30% by the end of the next decade, providing 27,000 jobs in the sector.
It would mean that, for the first time in UK history, more electricity is generated by renewables than fossil fuels, with a predicted 70% of power coming from low-carbon sources by 2030, officials said.
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Offshore wind has a key role to play in achieving our ambitious energy targets and delivering a low-carbon energy system.
“Scotland has massive offshore wind potential with a large share of Europe’s offshore wind resources and the commitment that the sector deal represents from government, academia and industry will help ensure that our world-leading offshore wind sector develops successfully and sustainably.”
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It is hoped the green power “revolution” will be helped by a new deal between the Government and industry to develop the supply chain and boost global exports.
The deal will increase the sector’s target for the share of UK-based production for offshore wind projects to 60%, to ensure the £557 million pledged by the Government for future clean power auctions benefit local communities around the country.
The industry will invest £250m in measures including making sure British companies are competitive and world-leaders in new innovation in areas such as robotics and floating wind and larger turbines.
A partnership between Government and industry will support smaller supply chain companies to export for the first time, to help boost global exports to areas including Europe, Japan, and the United States five-fold to £2.6 billion a year by 2030.
But Greenpeace said that renewables needed to be scaled up even more. John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: “The Government’s plans for a fleet of new nuclear reactors has collapsed. This leaves Britain with a big energy gap in the future. It means the Government’s latest offshore wind target of 30 gigawatts by 2030 is woefully inadequate.”
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