The Celtic Sea Developer Alliance (CSDA), a membership body hosted by Marine Energy Wales, has set out its case for industry support at a critical stage in the development of FLOW – floating offshore wind.
At a House of Commons reception for the Celtic Sea All-Party Parliamentary Group hosted by Selaine Saxby MP on the 11th January, the CSDA set out the vital role FLOW will play in the UK and Ireland’s drive towards net zero and energy security.
Speaking on behalf of the CSDA, Abi Beck from Marine Energy Wales, told the packed event of government, political and industry representatives:
“There is one target that says it all. 50 by 50. That’s the one to remember. Offshore wind will become the backbone of our future energy system, requiring 50GW of FLOW by 2050, and the Celtic Sea is central to achieving that.”
Heralding an epic transformation of our coastal region, FLOW offers an incredible return on investment. Roughly 44 billion in gross value added by 2050, creating more than 29,000 jobs in the process. All in return for an estimated £2 billion in support now during the industry’s early stages of development.
To unlock private investment and deliver the green vision of jobs, global exports and cheap secure, reliable energy the CSDA stresses:
- We need delivery at scale. The Celtic Sea currently has a target for 4GW of FLOW, but Supply Chain and port infrastructure investors require a greater visibility of scale and pipeline.
- We need to consider how the Contracts for Difference (CfD) revenue support mechanism delivers commercial scale projects that incentivise regional development opportunity. Support now at a realistic market price will soon pay dividends, with FLOW set to achieve “subsidy free” levels in the 2030s.
- We urgently need investment in port infrastructure – Without upgrades and rapid investment, the UK risks losing out on the job opportunities from building, deploying and maintaining the turbines required to deliver the 50 by 50 target.
- Timely and proportionate consenting is also critical, along with the necessary resources within those consenting authorities to deliver the transition at the scale and pace required.
- Ends –
Notes to Editors:
- Launched in Dublin in 2019 the CSDA represents Floating Offshore Wind developers in the Celtic Sea. The alliance spans Wales, Cornwall, and Ireland, currently standing at 24 developers.
- The CSDA was set up to:
- Establish the Celtic Sea Region on the UK Offshore Floating Wind map.
- Promote the regional and local opportunity by increasing supply chain awareness and engagement.
- Create networking opportunities.
- Break down barriers to the timely and competitive development of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea.