RenewableUK, the country’s leading renewable energy trade association has welcomed today’s announcement from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) of £10 million in grants for the offshore wind industry.

Gordon Edge, Director of Economics & Markets at RenewableUK, said:
“We are delighted that the importance and potential of the UK offshore wind sector has been recognised in this way, particularly in light of the current economic climate. This is an essential investment that will more than pay for itself in the short-term by way of job creation and the development of a strong UK supply chain. It sends a positive signal that the UK is serious about offshore wind.”

Siemens Windpower will receive £5 million as agreed in a previous funding round and a further £5million of grants will be awarded to seven UK companies with the aim of building the UK supply chain and developing new cost-effective technologies for offshore wind.

A recent report from RenewableUK Building An Industry predicted that the UK offshore wind sector could potentially create employment for 45,000 people in this country along with a substantial UK manufacturing base.