UK - Renewables Industry: Enthusiastic Welcome for Offshore Technology Centre

RenewableUK, the country’s leading wind and marine energy trade association, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a competition to create an Offshore Renewable Energy Technology and Innovation Centre. The Centre will focus on developing technologies for offshore wind, wave and tidal power.

The announcement was made by the Business Secretary Vince Cable, who described the UK as a world leader in offshore engineering. Mr Cable said the Centre represents the next step towards transforming the UK into a low carbon economy.

The Government has committed to spend more than £200 million over the next four years to establish an elite network of technology centres, with each one focusing on different areas of research and development.

Gordon Edge, Renewable UK’s Director of Policy, said:
“This is a clear indication that the Government has recognised the importance of supporting wind and marine energy. Investment in ambitious R&D projects like this is a key part of the package of measures needed to attract companies from around the world to the UK.

We look forward to the Government taking further measures to support the growth of the renewable energy industry. We trust that, as the Government is committed to creating an Offshore TIC, it will follow through by providing the legislative and regulatory framework that we need so urgently.”