Offshore wind will provide the backbone of the UK’s net zero electricity system. It needs to get from 8GW today to 40GW by 2030. That’s achievable but challenging. That’s why @sserenewables has today set out 9 actions needed to achieve it (thread follows) https://sse.com/media/669511/Delivering-40GW-of-offshore-wind-by-2030.pdf

1) addressing consenting barriers - offshore wind deployment has to be balanced with other sea users and protection of habitats. That’s why a more strategic level approach to marine spatial planning is needed from govts, delivery partners and statutory bodies

2) reform the electricity market - the wholesale market was designed for fossil fuel generation. It needs to be reformed to ensure that investment in renewables can continue (new, existing and repowering). Upcoming @beisgovuk Energy White Paper is the opportunity to kickstart it

3) offshore wind turbines can interfere with aviation radar but the good news is that there are technical solutions on the horizon. There is great work underway already between the offshore wind industry with @beisgovuk and @DefenceHQ and @transportgovuk

4) building the grid - a more strategic approach is needed to connect offshore wind in the most cost-effective way, including anticipatory investment. The UK should also be play a central role in delivering a North Sea grid with its neighbours

5) annual CfD auction rounds are needed otherwise we won’t get enoigh offshore wind projects off the ground to hit 40GW by 2030. Annual auctions would also alleviate constraints on consenting bodies caused by the rush to bid in a bi-annual auction

6) seabed leasing - @CrownEstateScot and @TheCrownEstate should set out a timetable for future leasing rounds and indicate rough volumes (beyond the current ones underway) which should be in line with reaching @theCCCuk targets for offshore wind

7) strategic investment to support UK supply chain - great work is underway but ensuring UK success long term will likely require more targeted govt and industry investment in the facilities and capabilities needed

8) strategy for floating wind - @RenewableUK and @ScotRenew have led the way here. @beisgovuk has indicated a viable future for floating commercialisation via access to CfD auctions. Great start!

9) geographical diversity of the wind fleet - this is hugely important for an offshore wind dominated system, for security of supply, as well as seeing industrial benefits shared across the UK. Transmission charging regime currently works counter to getting that diversity