Sector Deal for offshore wind

Government has announced a Sector Deal for the offshore wind industry. The aim is that a third of British electricity will be produced by offshore turbines by 2030.

Government has announced a Sector Deal for the offshore wind industry. The aim is that a third of British electricity will be produced by offshore turbines by 2030. The deal will mean that for the first time in UK history, there will be more electricity from renewables than fossil fuels.

BEIS also announced that during January, February and March of 2019, the UK completed 650 hours without coal power to produce electricity. This is longer than the whole of 2017. Milder weather in February lead to a fall in energy demand, but the figure is significant.

The offshore wind sector deal will see industry invest £250 million to develop the UK supply chain, with an eye to increase the sector’s exports. The sector target for the amount of UK content in homegrown offshore wind projects is rising to 60% - ensuring that government investment benefits local communities.

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 across the UK, bringing investment into coastal communities and ensuring we maintain our position as global leaders in this growing sector.”

However, government has come in for criticism from environmental groups for the decision to build a new £165 million deep coal mine in Cumbria. The mine will bring jobs to the region and produce coking coal for steel-making in the UK and globally.

Main image credit: Shutterstock.com/chuyuss