SSE Renewables has called for concerted government and industry action to ensure a 40GW by 2030 offshore wind target can be met, in particular, ‘future-proofing’ the electricity system.
SSE-R’s capital projects director Paul Cooley (pictured) told the virtual Global Offshore Wind conference the impact of Covid-19 on the electricity market had been a “glimpse of the future” of what a renewable-powered system might look like.
“Governments and industry need to look at how to future-proof the electricity system to ensure it doesn’t prevent investment,” he said.
Cooley added that for the UK to meet its target of 40GW offshore wind by 2030 a review of grid infrastructure was needed as well as a “fundamental review” of the market, and investment in storage.
He said the pace and scale to meet the target was at risk and the government needed to focus on securing more UK supply chain which would bring jobs.
“The UK needs to make sure it doesn’t fall behind,” he added.
Cooley made the comments in this morning’s session on “doing business in the future normal”.