Renewables to produce more power than fossil fuels by 2030 - UK government

Offshore wind farms will generate a third of British electricity in a little over a decade, the government claimed on Thursday, as it announced a new deal with industry.

Offshore wind currently provides just over 7% of Britain's power, but the government wants that increased to more than 30% by 2030. If successful, it will mean more electricity is generated through renewable sources than fossil fuels for the first time in UK history.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the Offshore Wind Sector Deal included a £250m offshore wind growth partnership, intended to ensure companies working in relevant coastal regions “continue to be competitive and are leaders internationally in the next generation of offshore wind innovations”.

Also included is a commitment to release seabed land for new developments, plans to boost exports fivefold to £2.6bn per year by 2030 and a pledge to reduce the costs of projects, to enable the sector to eventually become subsidiary free.

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 to coastal communities.

“By 2030, a third of our electricity will come from offshore wind, generating thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK, a strong UK and a fivefold increase in exports.”

Keith Anderson, chief executive of ScottishPower, said: “The Sector Deal will attract even more businesses in the UK to join the offshore wind supply chain, and we are excited to see the transformative impact this will have on our projects.”

The government expects jobs in the sector to triple to 27,000 by 2030.