Delivering 40GW of offshore wind by 2030

SSE Renewables (SSER) has supported an increase to the UK’s offshore wind ambition for some time and welcomed the manifesto commitment by the new UK Government to increase that target to 40GW by 2030.

With COVID disrupting the energy sector, will these targets still be achievable?

SSE Renewables has called for a series of “enabling” offshore wind policy actions from the UK government, warning that a “business as usual” approach will not deliver 40GW of installed capacity by 2030.

The developer said an increase in “capabilities and cooperation” across government departments is needed to allow annual deployment rates hit up to 4GW from 2025 to reach the goal, which is based on a Conservative manifesto promise and up from last year’s 30GW sector deal vision.

Annual Contract for Difference rounds, more regular and increased seabed leasing volumes and a strategy for floating technology are among the recommendations in the blueprint.

SSE also called for the removal of barriers to the consenting process, reform of the electricity market design and finding a more efficient way to develop grid infrastructure, which will be needed to integrate new offshore wind capacity.

SSE also called for deeper cross-departmental collaboration and resources to mitigate aviation radar constraints, strategic investment to support the development of the supply chain in the UK and geographical diversity of the wind fleet.

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.