Alok Sharma, president of COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Glasgow next month, has told the offshore wind industry that it has a key role to play in helping the UK to reach net zero emissions.
Sharma told delegates on the second day of RenewableUK’s Global Offshore Wind conference and exhibition in London that UK offshore wind is a “story of success”.
“We’ve grown the largest offshore wind sector in the world, creating entirely new industrial hubs and good green jobs, which is helping us to reach net zero by 2050,” he said.
Sharma said the UK is happy to share its experience with international partners and urged governments to take up these offers and to consider how they’re going to unlock the potential of offshore wind to decarbonise their power supplies.
“I urge all companies here to support our wider COP26 efforts by driving action across your supply chains, encouraging your suppliers to commit to net zero and working with them to reduce emissions,” said Sharma.
“In short, use your purchasing power to drive change across the global economy, just as you’re using your inventiveness and acumen to drive the clean energy transition across the world.
“Together let’s make COP26 the moment when we accelerate the clean energy transition.”