Britain launches a strategy to expand offshore wind and create jobs

The government announced on Friday that Britain has launched its first onshore wind policy, which aims to increase renewable energy capacity and create jobs in this sector.

Britain aims to decarbonise the electricity sector in its country by 2030, as part of its efforts to achieve its climate goals and boost energy security. It also wants to reduce its power costs through a reduction in its dependence on fossil fuels.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated in a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero statement that "rolling out more onshore winds is a no brainer - it's a cheap technology, quick to construct, supports thousands skilled jobs and provides clean energy directly to communities hosting it."

The government stated that the move could create up to 45,000 jobs.

The strategy includes 40 actions that will help to boost onshore projects. These include funding football pitches and libraries in the communities hosting these projects, repowering existing wind turbines nearing the end of their lifecycles, and improving the planning for new projects.

In a government statement, James Robottom, Director of Onshore Wind Delivery for industry group RenewableUK, said that the measures will boost confidence among investors. "We can then attract billions of dollars in private investment, create thousands of high-skilled positions and new supply chains throughout the country," he added.

Britain has approximately 16 gigawatts of onshore wind energy but aims to reach 27-29 GW in 2030. (Reporting by Susanna Twidale, Editing by Hugh Lawson).

(source: Reuters)