UK: Offshore Wind Industry of Strategic National Importance, Says Secretary of State

RenewableUK, the trade and professional body representing the wind energy industry, has welcomed a strong endorsement of the key role being played by the sector in delivering a secure supply of clean electricity to British households and industry. Edward Davey, the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change was speaking at the Global Offshore 2012 wind conference, organised by RenewableUK, which is taking place at the ExCeL exhibition Centre in London’s Docklands.

Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:

“The Secretary of State’s speech was a strong affirmation of his personal commitment and his Government’s support for the industry. It is good to know that the Government is fully behind meeting the 2020 targets for renewable energy and that they see the opportunity of offshore wind power in terms of jobs and growth for the UK economy. As the Cost Reduction Task Force Report published yesterday showed, Government support is a critical part of ensuring that offshore wind reaches its full potential in terms of electricity generating capacity, jobs and investment.

With the Electricity Market Reform currently taking shape in the Energy Bill, the Secretary of State’s comments have boosted our confidence that the UK Government will be providing the right policy framework to position wind power at the heart of the UK’s future electricity mix.”

Some of the highlights of the Secretary of State’s speech included the following quotes:

He described offshore wind as, “An industry of strategic national importance, one that can help us secure our energy supplies, reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and protect our environment — an industry on which our clean energy future rests.”

In light of recent speculation about the Government’s support for wind energy he warned that, “we must take the politics out of wind”.

In the context of the global industry he also said Britain had gone from being, “the new kid in class to being the star pupil” and that he remains “determined that the UK will remain the best place to invest in renewables.” 

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Offshore WIND staff, June 14, 2012; Image: DECC