Floating offshore wind opportunity study for the Heart of the South West

The UK government, in its Energy Security Strategy, set a target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, including a sub-target of 5 GW of floating offshore wind. This follows The Crown Estate’s announcement in November 2021 that it intends to award 4 GW of seabed rights to floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea, to be deployed by 2035. The uplift in ambition at both a national and regional level marks a new stage in the growth of the industry and a real expectation that large-scale projects will be located in the waters around Wales and the south west of England for the first time.

Regen has worked alongside the Heart of the South West LEP and Devon County Council, in partnership with North Devon and Torridge District Councils, to produce a supply chain opportunity assessment for how the Heart of the South West can maximise the opportunities presented by floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

The report outlines the key areas of strength for the region, explores what opportunities there are to support supply chain jobs and wider economic benefit, and identifies practical areas for collaboration with other stakeholders across the south west, south Wales and Ireland.

Or open the report in a new tab by clicking here.

If you are interested in finding out more about this project or Regen’s work in offshore renewable energy, please contact Grace Millman.

Following on from this study, Regen worked with the University of Exeter to evidence the suitability and potential benefits of creating a new South West hub for the development and testing of clean marine propulsion systems. The final paper can be read here. For more information, contact Jack Adkins.