RenewableUK, the Offshore Wind Industry Council, The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland have published a detailed Industrial Growth Plan, setting out how to triple offshore wind manufacturing capacity over the next ten years, firmly establishing the UK as a leader the global market.

The UK offshore wind industry already employs 32,000 people and each new large offshore wind farm adds £2bn to £3bn to the economy. Employment is set to rise to over 100,000 by 2030 and investment in new offshore wind projects will create an economic opportunity worth up to £92bn for the UK by 2040.

The measures set out in the Industrial Growth Plan (IGP) would support an additional 10,000 jobs a year and boost the UK’s economy by a further £25bn between now and 2035, if offshore wind deployment is accelerated in line with net-zero targets to 5-6GW a year. The UK has the second largest global pipeline of offshore wind projects at all stages of development at nearly 100GW, more than six times the current capacity.

Supply chain constraints in many of the key components are a major issue and the IGP identifies strategic new factories and manufacturing capabilities which the UK should build up to protect against supply chain risks and boost economic growth. The IGP also identifies five key technology areas including the design and manufacture of offshore wind blades and turbine towers, foundations and cables.

The plan envisages mobilising nearly £3bn of funding nationwide, with private finance doing the “heavy lifting”. This is predicted to bring in a return of just under £9 for every £1 invested.

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