Greenpeace: Offshore Wind Sector Deal ‘woefully inadequate’ after collapse of new nuclear deals

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The government’s new Offshore Wind Sector Deal, committing the UK to increasing its offshore wind capacity to 30GW by 2030, has been praised as an ambitious step towards decarbonising the UK’s energy sector. 

However, as the government’s new nuclear reactor programme now appears unlikely to produce more than one new power station by 2030, and certainly not the six planned, there is a huge shortfall in the UK’s projected energy capacity in the second half of the next decade. 

This needs to be filled with low-carbon sources in order for the UK to meet its legally binding climate targets and address the moral urgency of the climate crisis. 

This briefing – www.greenpeace.org.uk/energygap - explores the policy responses needed to meet that shortfall.

It concludes that offshore wind will need to be producing at least 45GW by 2030, and possibly more, depending on whether the government also supports more solar and onshore wind.

 John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, said - 

 "The Government's plans for a fleet of new nuclear reactors has collapsed. This leaves Britain with a big energy gap in future. It means the Government's latest offshore wind target of 30GW by 2030 is woefully inadequate. 

Renewable power now presents the best opportunity for cheaper, cleaner and faster decarbonisation. Wind and solar must be tripled between now and 2030, with offshore wind the future backbone of the UK's energy system.

It’s a technology where the UK is already a global leader. And we could turn that leadership into more jobs and opportunities to export British know-how to the rest of the world."

Rachel Reeves, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee said:  

"Investment decisions over nuclear plants at sites such as Moorside and Wylfa have left the UK facing a giant hole in its energy policy. This heightens concerns that the Government is not doing more to encourage alternatives such as offshore wind and other renewables. Given dirty coal is due to go off-line, and the prospects for nuclear looking uncertain, it’s vital the Government comes forward with a Plan B to plug the energy gap. 

This alternative plan must ensure security of supply and address the pressing need to decarbonise the UK’s power generation. Renewable energy offers significant opportunities for UK jobs, for business, and for industry and Government must take a fresh look at creating the right environment for attracting investment in future energy capacity, including renewables.”  

Matthew Wright from Orsted, the largest offshore wind farm developer, has previously said to Business Green that -

“If the government needs more [capacity than in the Sector Deal] then within reason I think we can deliver. The nice thing about offshore wind is we have established a track record of delivery, on time, on budget, and a good safety record."

SSE Chief Executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies, said earlier this year that -

“It is time to aim higher and seize the opportunity that offshore wind brings.” 

The Government has recently indicated its support for a smart, flexible system that will be capable of dealing with renewable power’s natural intermittency alongside more interconnectors with Europe.

These technologies are now growing significantly and dropping in price. Battery storage alone has fallen in price by 79% since 2010[1]. This means that ‘baseload’ i.e. continuous power from inflexible power stations - such as nuclear - is no longer needed.