Engineering news
The cost of energy from offshore wind has fallen by 32% since 2012 and is below the joint UK government and industry target of £100 per megawatt hour (MWh) four years ahead of schedule, according to a new report from the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
The third annual Cost Reduction Monitoring Framework report, delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult on behalf of the Offshore Wind Programme Board, also shows high industry confidence of continued rapid cost reduction to below levels set by any other large-scale, low-carbon energy source.
The target, set in 2012, was expected to be met by 2020, but wind farms given final investment decision in 2015/16 are already achieving prices lower than this target.
Offshore wind costs have fallen sharply through the adoption of larger turbines, increased competition and lower cost of capital. Projects are reaching a final investment decision in 2015/16 with an average levelised cost of energy of £97/MWh, compared to £142/MWh in 2010/11.
The report also reveals that UK content and jobs are a significant focus for the UK’s offshore wind sector, with the industry working hard to maximise its UK economic benefit. Supply chain plans required under the Contracts for Difference process are delivering significant growth for UK manufacturing, and the report identifies further potential to increase both UK content and jobs through a more coordinated approach to industrial strategy.
Co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, Benj Sykes, said: "Offshore wind is a big success story at the very heart of the UK’s industrial strategy. The industry is cutting costs much faster than predicted, while creating thousands of jobs and stimulating investment nationwide.
"But this is a story that is just beginning. We remain committed to delivering further significant cost reduction, while working in partnership with government to put in place a sector deal and build a sustainable industry that will benefit the UK for decades to come,” he added.