A radical reformist approach to policy is vital as the golden age of renewables emerges with the Humber at the heart, according to a key UK sector figure.
Getting conditions right at home will ensure companies continue to play leading roles around the world, RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail said, using Offshore Wind Connections to press three key asks.
Grid network access, port investment and supply chain development were put at the fore by the head of the leading trade body, keen to remove barriers to rapid deployment.
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“Innovation in offshore wind is happening in the Humber,” Mr McGrail said. “The industry is at the core of the government flagship energy policy, with a target of 50GW by 2030. People may think that is not achievable, but the Labour Party wants 60GW. I don’t say that to make a political point, just that the political parties are fighting it out to have the boldest, most ambitious green energy policies.
“I believe 50GW is possible, and 60GW, if we have a radical reformist approach.”
Outlining how the past decade has been about driving the cost down, he said now the focus must be delivery.
“If we can unlock this, the opportunity is huge. The scope for automation, to digitalise and for subsea technology plays to the UK strengths, so too composite materials and robotics. It only happens if the policy model enables it, and ours has been stubbornly stuck on cost reduction.
“For economic sustainability, the value provided far outweighs the cost. It is a statement of the blindingly obvious, but people will only do business if it is profitable. Competitiveness of the UK is under threat from other economies, but we still have a number of advantages, all the knowhow we have built, we have developed deeper, muscle memory, and we are getting better at it.
“This vision for industry also speaks right to levelling up. If we build on the great work over the past decade, it can be a beacon of aspiration, attracting people to excellent careers in the places they are from, building excellent careers.”
Grid connection was brought into extreme focus by Danielle Lane, director of offshore development at RWE. The company is behind the dual wind farm developments Dogger Bank South, set to provide a further 3GW for the UK, building on operational and under construction wind farms to be served from Grimsby.
“At this point we don’t have valid connection offers for Round Four projects,” she said. “It is one of the real big problems we have for developments at the moment.
“Government in all guises is promoting really big numbers for offshore wind. As a person who works in the industry, it is great, and really exciting, but slightly unnerving. There are only seven years left to 2030, we know we can deliver a lot in that period, but we cannot do it if we don’t have a grid connection.
“Dogger Bank South could be really key to meeting 2030 ambition, but unless we get that connection we won’t be hitting that target.”
Read next:
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Orsted committed to 'green-lighting' £8b Hornsea Three offshore wind farm
Maritime UK's Offshore Wind Plan launches in Grimsby
Port of Grimsby to progress green vessel infrastructure work after feasibility project success
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