Port operators, developers, wind-energy companies and investors met with the government this week to discuss ways to make the most of the UK’s wind-power potential.
Estimates put the potential wind market for British ports at up to £1 billion by 2020. However, not enough sites are currently available to meet the future demand for offshore wind energy.
“We want the UK to make the world’s biggest investment in offshore wind,” said Energy Minister Mike O’Brien. “We are an island nation with a fantastic wind resource. Britain’s ports could become the hub of activity and economic opportunity as we massively increase the amount of renewable energy we get from our seas — and could be key to constructing and transporting wind technology.”
This week’s meeting was the first time the government has met with port operators to discuss what they have to gain from the development of offshore wind-energy installations. The seminar aimed to identify what needs to happen to ensure the government, developers and port operators work together for the benefit of all.
The government is currently considering building 25 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity over the next decade. That’s an investment similar to one made during the North Sea oil boom of the 1970s and ’80s.