OEUK Publishes 2030 Net Zero Blueprint

In a release sent to Rigzone recently by the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) team, the industry body announced that it has published a new blueprint mapping out how the UK can meet the new government target of net zero power by 2030.

OEUK warned in the release that the goal of net zero power “must be delivered by building on the UK’s existing industrial strengths, creating jobs, and growing domestic companies – not simply by importing the technology and skills from other countries”.

The report highlighted that more than 90 gigawatts (GW) of new generation capacity will be needed by 2030 and that 80 GW of this must come from renewables, and warned of a planning as well as a timing challenge, the release outlined.

Pointing out some more takeaways from the report, which was commissioned from AFRY Management Consulting, the release noted that 6 GW of grid connection agreements for offshore wind must be rapidly brought forward and stated that most of the required new power generation capacity is anticipated to need some form of government support.

It also stated that government-backed revenue support schemes must be finalized for new dispatchable low carbon technologies if they are to receive awards by 2027 and that the number of government-awarded contracts in terms of gigawatts per year for offshore wind, onshore wind, and solar power must all double.

“Rates of planning consent must be maintained at the highest possible throughput which may require further streamlining of current planning consent processes,” the OEUK release said.

“Failure to deliver in one area will generally lead to knock-on problems in another area especially where there are already technological problems with scaling up energy supply,” it warned.

In the release, OEUK Chief Executive David Whitehouse said, “this independent report commissioned by OEUK shows that plans for a fully decarbonized power grid by 2030 are achievable but need high speed collaboration with business”.

“It will require a herculean effort by government, regulators, and industry working together to deliver change to UK infrastructure on a scale unseen since the industrial revolution,” he added.

“We will need everything everywhere all at once. Every year between now and 2030 we will have to install as many or more new offshore wind farms as we have ever achieved,” he continued.

“Zero carbon power generation must come from reliable supplies that can be easily called upon when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. In our 2030 net zero power grid there will remain an important role for gas fired power offset with carbon capture,” he went on to state.

Whitehouse noted in the release that the UK offshore industry is up for the challenge.

“Getting this right could mean big opportunities for our companies and people which will drive economic growth across the UK,” he said.

“It makes no economic sense to import the skills and the technologies needed to deliver the energy transition from other countries. Growing our existing world class supply chain has to be a priority on this mission,” he added.

“There will be no prizes if we do not support our existing industries and anchor jobs here in the UK. We know the UK energy supply chain has between 60 percent to 80 percent of the capabilities required to develop low carbon energies. We are ready to work with the new government to unlock investment in the homegrown energy transition,” he continued.

Rigzone has asked the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for comment on OEUK’s release and the report. At the time of writing, the department has not yet responded to Rigzone’s request.

In a message to staff, which was posted on the UK government website last week, Ed Miliband, the UK’s new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, outlined his priorities.

These comprised “delivering our mission to boost energy independence and cutting bills through clean power by 2030, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy, upgrading Britain’s homes and cutting fuel poverty through our Warm Homes Plan, standing up for consumers by reforming our energy system, creating good jobs in Britain’s industrial heartlands, including a just transition for the industries based in the North Sea, [and] leading on international climate action, based on our domestic achievements,” the message showed.

In a policy statement posted on the UK government website on July 8, the government revealed that it was “immediately removing the de facto ban on onshore wind in England.”

“Delivering our clean power mission will help boost Britain’s energy independence, save money on energy bills, support high-skilled jobs and tackle the climate crisis,” the statement noted.

“We are therefore committed to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030. That means immediately removing the de facto ban on onshore wind in England, in place since 2015. We are revising planning policy to place onshore wind on the same footing as other energy development in the National Planning Policy Framework,” it added.

A release posted on the UK government website on July 9 revealed that Miliband had appointed Chris Stark “to head new Mission Control tasked with turbocharging UK to clean power by 2030”.

“Years of underinvestment has left our country suffering energy insecurity, with working people paying the price through their energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis,” Miliband said in that release.

“That cannot happen again. This new Mission Control center, benefitting from the expertise and experience of Chris Stark’s leadership – and bringing together the brightest and best in the national interest – will have a laser-like focus on delivering our mission of clean power by 2030,” he added.

Stark said in the release, “by taking action now, we can put the UK at the forefront of the global race to net zero – driving down our carbon emissions but also cutting bills for households”.

“It is a privilege to head up this work alongside the country’s top energy experts who will make this mission a reality,” he added.

Source: www.rigzone.com