Reflections on AR7: a frustrating contradiction?

As noted above, the pipeline as it currently stands is already likely to miss the CP 30 targets for offshore wind. “These are government targets, not industry’s, so why have a budget which will actively restrict your own ambitions?” Mr Gow asked. In addition, there is the ‘hard-to-win-but-nevertheless-true’ commercial argument that wind-generated electricity is both cheaper and cleaner than fossil-based electricity.

“We all know why this is a difficult argument to make at the moment, but the challenge of political and social messaging should be kept separate from the underlying facts,” Mr Gow told OWJ.

“Good work and reporting in this space is emerging, such as the recent Guardian article on a recent UCL study, which, we hope, will help turn the tide on this. Plus, we as an industry have loads of positive things to say on jobs, local value-add, and how we are able to support the wider ‘just transition’ that is also a cornerstone policy. So, the question remains – why set out a small budget which contradicts both your own messaging and your own ambitions?”

In Mr Gow’s view, the unsatisfactory answer would be that budget/political pressures are the cause and that, to help address a weakening position against rising anti-net-zero politics from Reform and others, the government must be seen to be withdrawing support. 

“This would be short-sighted, weak and terribly damaging to what we must assume to be their strongly held beliefs in a net-zero future that benefits us all,” said Mr Gow.

“The more positive answer would be that it is a deliberate and considered move to help steady the bigger ship, and that the government acknowledges there are infrastructure challenges in ports, grid, and the wider supply chain, and that going too fast at this stage risks greater disappointment further down the line when bottlenecks kick-in and frustration mounts. I think industry would at least understand the logic of this, and any short-term frustration would be addressed by a continued and upgraded commitment for AR8 and beyond.” 

Mr Gow argues that, if this is the reason for the small budget, the government would do everyone, including themselves, a huge favour by verbalising it. 

“We have an amazing pipeline in the UK, with the opportunity to lead the world in scale and innovation, even more so when considering floating projects,” he concluded. “But this ship is a fragile thing, and needs clarity and consistency of vision, as well as realism, to keep it moving at the right speed in the right direction. We all know that success in offshore wind, as a huge infrastructure play, is based on trust and collaboration between industry and government. Bemusement can come into all relationships at times, but it is best addressed by communicating – by talking and listening.”

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