Report highlights huge opportunities for UK offshore wind
A new report by the UK Conservative MP and former Energy Minister Sir Michael Fallon shows the possible economic benefits that could be reaped from the offshore wind industry including the potential for exports.
Sir Michael’s report, ‘Winning Locally, Going Global’ commissioned by Wilton Engineering, describes the UK’s offshore wind sector as “One of Britain’s biggest success stories” providing vital infrastructure for the country’s future.
“The opportunities for Britain are enormous and in danger of being undersold,” Sir MIchael said. In the report, he urges the Government to “Give the offshore wind industry the same level of ministerial attention and support as the aerospace, pharmaceutical and defence industries.”
Export potential
The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) welcomed the report and said that the case for Ministerial support is clear. It is working with Government on a Sector Deal which would unlock even greater investment in our industry.
“Last week it announced a comprehensive supply chain review, to be carried out by the former McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh, who will publish a supply chain development plan later this year, specifying ways to maximise the benefits of offshore wind for UK plc.
Sir Michael’s report will complement the extensive review to be undertaken by Martin Whitmarsh for the Offshore Wind Industry Council. The findings from both reviews will feed into the supply chain development plan which aims to among other things, help exports grow fivefold from £500 million in 2017 to £2.6 billion by 2030.
By Anne-Marie Causer
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