Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Offshore Renewables Wind Sector

30 November 2021 · 1 other contributor · 4,316 words

Opened by Kenny MacAskill Alba East Lothian

Responding minister: Greg Hands

ClimateScotlandBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kenny MacAskill raised concerns about offshore renewables wind sector in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Kenny MacAskill is concerned that Scotland's offshore wind sector is not fully benefiting Scottish communities and local manufacturing.
  • Mr Kenny MacAskill calls on the government to ensure funds are available for developing turbine manufacturing in Scotland and that contracts for offshore fields go to local yards.
  • Mr Kenny MacAskill requests that steps be taken to ensure communities benefit from a regulated regime of community benefits similar to those seen with onshore wind turbines.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Kenny MacAskill asks the Minister to ensure that funds are available for developing turbine manufacturing in Scotland, contracts for offshore fields should go to local yards, and steps be taken so that communities benefit from a regulated regime of community benefits similar to those seen with onshore wind turbines.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Kenny MacAskill Alba East Lothian

Mr. Kenny MacAskill is concerned about the potential benefits of Scotland's offshore wind sector not being fully realised, especially in comparison to Norway's management of its oil and gas resources. He highlights that Scotland possesses 25% of Europe's offshore wind potential but questions where the economic benefits are for Scottish communities given projects like Berwick Bank alone could power up to 5 million homes. MacAskill also mentions the lack of local manufacturing jobs in Scottish shipyards, while similar projects elsewhere receive government funding and create more employment opportunities.

Other contributors (1)
  • Neale Hanvey Lab Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

    Mr Hanvey highlighted the historical industrial heritage of his constituency, expressing frustration over the lack of meaningful employment opportunities in offshore renewables despite Scotland's significant renewable energy resources. He criticized past UK Government policies for stifling Scottish economic development and called for greater control over natural wealth to ensure prosperity.

Government Response

Greg Hands

I begin by congratulating the hon. Member for East Lothian on securing this important debate. The minister highlighted that renewable electricity generation is essential to decarbonising the power sector and achieving net zero emissions. He noted significant progress in offshore wind, with turbine installation increasing from one per week to one per day, and costs falling dramatically since 2015. The Government have invested heavily in supporting the offshore wind sector, including innovation, manufacturing of major wind turbine components, deployment, and grid connection. The minister mentioned that about 60% or more of the supply chain is based in the UK. He announced up to £160 million in new funding for large-scale floating offshore wind ports and factories across the UK, enabling two major port hubs and six offshore wind manufacturing investments representing £1.5 billion in public and private sector investment. The minister also highlighted the North Sea Transition Forum's key commitments on skills, including developing an integrated people and skills plan by March 2022 to support the transition and diversification of the oil and gas sector. Floating offshore wind and tidal energy were identified as areas with significant potential for Scotland and other parts of the UK.

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