7 March 2019
Today the Government launched the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, helping the UK reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment for the next generation.
The Deal will see the industry invest £250m to boost the UK’s global lead in the technology and ensure that offshore wind delivers more than a third of Britain’s electricity by 2030.
Speaking from Walney, Simon Fell, Conservative Spokesman for Barrow and Furness, said:
“This deal is great news for our area and the rest of the UK. We are host to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, which generates enough electricity to power 600,000 homes and employs over 250 people.
“The government’s plan means that by 2030 we will see more energy generated from renewables than fossil fuels, and increase the number of jobs in the industry to 27,000, from 7,200 today.
“This is a huge opportunity for us, and I look forward to working with the Energy Minister to ensure that Barrow benefits from this investment. It’s a win-win when we can grow the local economy and ensure that we leave the environment in a better state for our children.”
Benj Sykes, UK country manager for Danish offshore wind power company Ørsted, said:
“This relentlessly innovative sector is revitalising parts of the country which have never seen opportunities like this for years, especially coastal communities from Wick in the northern Scotland to the Isle of Wight, and from Barrow-in-Furness to the Humber. Companies are burgeoning in clusters, creating new centres of excellence in this clean growth boom.”
The energy and clean growth minister, Claire Perry, 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 into coastal communities and ensuring we maintain our position as global leaders in this growing sector.”
