The UK government is to provide further support for the expansion of offshore wind power. It hopes that it will be meeting about a third of the country’s electricity demand by 2030.
The government has made a deal with the offshore wind sector whereby operators will be allowed to participate in the allocation of £557 million of state subsidies for renewable energy in return for investing £250 million in new offshore wind capacity over the next 11 years.
Claire Perry, the minister energy and clean growth, said about the deal:
“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 into coastal communities and ensuring we maintain our position as global leaders in this growing sector.”
According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the growth of the offshore wind power industry could boost the economies of coastal regions near large projects. It said employment in the industry could triple over the course of the deal to 27,000.
The government’s move shows considerable faith in offshore wind power, which has consistently seen improvements in numerous aspects, including the use of high-performance lubricants like Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT from Mobil distributors.
Should the UK offshore wind power industry meet its target of providing 30% of the UK’s electricity, the country will be 70% powered by renewable energy once other sources, for instance, onshore wind, and solar, are considered.
