Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 32
We recognise that investment in local supply chains must be balanced against accelerating programme delivery,...
Conclusion
We recognise that investment in local supply chains must be balanced against accelerating programme delivery, bringing costs down for consumers and compliance with international treaty obligations. However, the potential for wealth Floating Offshore Wind in Wales 29 and job creation in Wales from floating offshore wind is too great to be missed. There is a real opportunity for the region to gain first-mover advantage as a hub for the manufacture and assembly of floating offshore wind components and to export its skills and expertise into a growing global market. We welcome The Crown Estate’s requirement for developers to provide supply chain investment plans as part of their bid for a lease. However, these plans must be commitments and The Crown Estate should ensure developers are held to them.
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the potential for wealth and job creation in Wales from floating offshore wind and welcomes The Crown Estate’s requirement for developers to provide supply chain investment plans as part of their bid for a lease, and the need for these plans to be commitments.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We welcome the Floating Offshore Wind Taskforce’s recently published “Industry Roadmap 2040”, which identified the need for up to 11 ports around the UK, supported by £4bn of investment, to enable the roll out of floating offshore wind at scale. The Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme is now open to applications, and will support investment in port infrastructure for floating offshore wind deployment until March 2025. The Government will continue to work with the sector, through bodies such as the Floating Offshore Wind Task Force and the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), to understand future port investment requirements and timescales. We have published the Offshore Wind Net Zero Investment Roadmap articulating the sectoral investment need, and summarising Government policy and funding, to provide investors with the information they need to support investment decisions. Similarly, the Net Zero Growth Plan, outlines how, working alongside industry, the Government will remove barriers to help modernise The Crown Estate’s investment capability to help unlock investment and growth in key sectors, including offshore wind. The Government is also working closely with industry to consider the recommendations of the Offshore Wind Industry Champion, Tim Pick, on the development of sustainable offshore wind supply chains and supporting infrastructure. The Crown Estate intends to provide further detail with regard to future Celtic Sea leasing at its next market update.