Commenting on ScottishPower Renewables’ announcement that it has decided not to take forward its lease option to develop the Argyll Array offshore wind farm project, RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Maf Smith said:
“The fact that not all wind farm projects go ahead is a natural part of the development process. Some encounter physical obstacles or financial challenges which mean that they aren’t viable for the time being – although they will be in the future, as cutting-edge wind turbine technology is developing at an astonishing rate.
“Other projects of course go ahead – only yesterday DONG Energy announced it had bought Centrica’s stake in Race Bank offshore wind farm, demonstrating that there’s a vibrant market for such projects.
“When you take a broad overview, the pipeline of projects is still a healthy one. We already have 22 offshore wind farms operating successfully, providing clean electricity for 2.5 million households. 5 more are under construction, a further 8 have been approved and another 12 are awaiting consent.
“The current pipeline of projects gives us the potential to have 20 gigawatts of wind energy installed in UK waters – more than five times as much as we have now. The Department of Energy and Climate Change says up to 39GW is possible by 2030.
“Installing this great capacity will maintain Britain’s global lead in this dynamic field and secure even more economic benefit for UK plc. We’re continually learning how best to harness some of the most powerful forces in nature, so that we can make a successful transition from fossil fuels to cost-effective low-carbon renewables.”
Press release, December 13, 2013