UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s election manifesto commitment to 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030 has become government policy, having been included in the Queen’s Speech, the statement from Her Majesty the Queen that lays out the government’s legislative plans for the year.
Although not directly referred to in the speech as delivered by Her Majesty, the background notes to the speech said the government would increase its ambition on offshore wind to 40 GW by 2030 “and enable new floating turbines.”
The government said it would also continue to take steps to meet its target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 “and continue to lead the way” in tackling global climate change.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face,” said the government. “The UK has shown that we can grow our economy whilst reducing emissions. We have decarbonised faster than any other G20 nation since 2000, are a world-leader in offshore wind, and there are now nearly 400,000 jobs in low carbon industries and their supply chains.
“In the last 12 months the government has achieved a record 53 per cent share of electricity generation from low carbon sources, supported by policies including the contracts for difference scheme… and launched the Offshore Wind Sector Deal to deliver increased offshore wind capacity, boost the UK economy and continue to reduce costs.”
“We will build on our progress with an ambitious programme of policy and investment, with our first budget prioritising the environment. This will help deliver the green infrastructure needed to improve lives and achieve net zero, including by investing in carbon capture, offshore wind, nuclear energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure.”
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