Britain’s Offshore Wind Expertise Is A Massive Economic Export Opportunity

A new report from Britain’s wind energy trade body has highlighted the massive economic and industrial opportunity offered by the country’s offshore wind energy expertise, and the potential it has to export this expertise to developing offshore wind markets around the world.

The new report, Exporting Offshore Wind (PDF), was released at the start of Offshore Wind Week, a series of industry events held across the UK to highlight offshore wind’s vital role in the country’s economy and future energy mix. The report highlights the integral role Britain’s offshore wind industry is taking in the development of offshore wind capacity all across the world. UK offshore wind companies are already heavily involved in the German offshore wind market — the world’s second largest offshore wind market — as well as being involved in the development of the United States’ first offshore wind farm, the 30 MW Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island in the country’s northeast.

Specifically, the report explains that “Britain is exporting essential services, such as cable installation, repairing equipment, and supporting construction work” in markets around the world, to the tune of contracts worth in the high end of around £30 million. The authors of the report claim that “major economies, including China and the US, are developing offshore wind” and “are looking to learn from the UK’s achievements.” All in all, UK companies are active in deals throughout Europe, the US, and Asia, and have won 115 contracts to help build and service 50 offshore wind projects outside of their home country.

Number of contracts awarded to UK companies

“Our world-leading offshore wind industry is already delivering significant investment to the UK,” said Hugh McNeal, RenewableUK’s Chief Executive. “We can continue to secure valuable contracts around the world for British companies by staying competitive – driving down costs and continuing to innovate. We’re determined to maximise the economic and industrial benefits of offshore wind for UK plc.”