by David McPhee
Energy firm SSE has written to the UK Government asking it to increase its
cap on the offshore wind power allowance.
SSE, who finished construction on the 84-turbine Beatrice Offshore Wind
Farm this year, said the current Contracts for Difference (CfD) has
“limited capacity” and does not fully take into account “the scale of the
challenge”.
The current cap on offshore wind is restricted at six gigawatts (GW).
SSE argue that the current level was set “before publication of the CCC
report and the Government increasing its own target to achieve Net Zero by
2050″.
The energy firm claims that upping the 6GW limit would be a “rational and
proportionate step for the Government and next Prime Minister to take to
back up its 2050 commitment with effective action”.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, SSE chief executive, said: “The net zero
commitment is a positive development, but none of us should underestimate
the scale of the challenge that it poses.
“Offshore wind will play a crucial role in providing affordable low carbon
power and the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has suggested 75GW of
offshore generation may be required by 2050, compared to 8GW today and 30GW
targeted by the Government’s sector deal for 2030.
“Increasing offshore capacity in line with the CCC advice is challenging
but achievable.
“Increasing the 6GW cap provides Government with an opportunity to show
that it is serious about net zero and positioning the UK as a world leader
in both the offshore wind sector and the fight against climate change.
“It can do this in a way which is quick, simple and cost neutral for
consumers.”
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