Report Showcases Variety of Opportunities for UK companies in Offshore Wind Industry

“The UK Offshore Wind Industry: Supply Chain Review”, was conducted by the former McLaren Group CEO and Formula One Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh and provides an independent perspective on the offshore sector. 

In order to compile the independent review, Mr Whitmarsh worked over the course of a year with Clark MacFarlane, Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy UK, and was assisted by industry experts from a various amount of companies already working in the offshore industry.

According to RenewableUK, the review states: “In view of the very ambitious scale and cost targets now being set for the offshore wind sector, UK business needs to step up and provide a competitive offering and complement the existing supply chain. Furthermore, UK companies need to be encouraged to offer innovative and cost-effective services and technology to the sector. If this can be achieved, UK businesses and the overall economy can greatly benefit from the substantial offshore wind export opportunities that are now opening throughout the world”.

The review urges the Government to announce clear targets for offshore wind and commit to an extended pipeline of bi-annual CfD auctions of more than 2GW of capacity a year.

The report also recognises the urgent threat posed by climate change and urges Government to set more ambitious targets to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, whilst encouraging more consumers to buy electricity generated from low carbon sources.