New task force to make UK ‘superpower’ for floating wind
A new task force to champion floating wind power in the UK has been launched by industry and government stakeholders.
Floating wind turbine
The Floating Offshore Wind Task Force brings together RenewableUK and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapault with the British, Scottish and Welsh governments to maximise the opportunities presented by floating wind. Industry partners in the task force include Equinor, SSE and Aker Offshore Wind.
The initial remit of the Task Force will be to produce a comprehensive report by the Autumn on how to best capitalise on floating wind and to estimate the potential investment requirements.
Then, in the second stage, a series of detailed recommendations will follow by next spring.
Currently, the UK has two ground-breaking floating wind projects operating in Scottish Waters. One at Hywind, the world’s first, and at Kincardine, the world’s largest.
As well as providing benefits for the UK in terms of jobs, investment and clear energy, the task force will also seek to export UK expertise and technology around the world.
RenewableUK’s CEO Dan McGrail said: “The Task Force will lay the groundwork for the UK to become a floating wind superpower in the decades ahead. I’m very pleased that we have support from the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments to convene this ground-breaking group which will chart our course to capitalise on this innovative technology.
“It will provide clarity on the strategic investments the UK needs to scale up and deliver a whole new industry, creating thousands of new jobs and revitalising ports and coastal communities around the country. We have the potential to make floating wind a century-defining industrial success story for the UK”.
Energy Minister Greg Hands added: “The UK is poised to lead the world in floating offshore wind, building on our proud maritime and engineering traditions. This new Taskforce will help power us into the future, making the most of our seas to generate clean, affordable, homegrown electricity.”
