The UK renewables industry has given overwhelming backing to the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) net zero report recommending a legally-binding target to phase out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Developers, the supply chain and trade associations were unanimous in their support for the CCC’s calls for a 100% cut in emissions by mid-century.
The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) said the report made clear the technology is “vital” in helping the UK to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 by suggesting 75GW could be installed by 2050, up from around 8GW now.
“The CCC is suggesting a tenfold increase in offshore wind capacity by 2050. This is a clear signal to industry and government to aim high when it comes to our renewable energy supply,” said OWIC chairman Benj Sykes (pictured) and Orsted UK country manager for offshore.
The sector “will work closely with government to deliver on net zero and strengthen the UK’s global lead in offshore wind,” he added.
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind UK country manager Julian Brown said the UK will need to “unleash the full power of the renewable energy sector” to achieve net zero by 2050.
“With MHI Vestas driving wind turbine innovation and industrial investment to help deliver at least 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030, the offshore wind industry is well-positioned to play a leading role in the drive to meet these targets,” he added.
The Renewable Energy Association said the report “blazes a trail for the UK to assert itself as a leader in socially responsible new industries” and the government “should grab it with both hands.”
“We strongly support the view of the CCC that the solution to net zero greenhouse gasses by 2050 lies in the mass deployment of renewable technologies supported by robust, long-term and investible policies,” said chief executive Nina Skorupska.
“We hope that the response from government in the coming months fully embraces the ambition and the opportunity presented today.”
RenewableUK deputy chief executive Emma Pinchbeck said the report could trigger a “giant leap forward” in UK emissions reduction.
“To achieve net zero, we have to put the pedal to the metal on our world-leading wind industry. The report suggests a ten-fold increase in offshore wind and action to reverse the decline of onshore wind,” she said.
Lawrence Slade, chief executive of trade association Energy UK, added: “We firmly support the recommendations made by the CCC for the UK to reach a net-zero economy by 2050.
“With sufficient funding and policy frameworks supporting low carbon technologies, the power sector could reach net-zero emissions before that date.”