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Offshore Renewables Wind Sector

30 November 2021

Lead MP

Kenny MacAskill

Responding Minister

Greg Hands

Tags

TaxationClimateEnergyBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 4316
Other Contributors: 1

At a Glance

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

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:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
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.

Government Response

Greg Hands
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.