Luke Pollard has called on the Government to “motor ahead” and realise the opportunities in floating offshore wind in the South West, following a visit to the state-of-the-art offshore wind testing facilities at the University of Plymouth.

The Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP visited the university’s state-of-the-art floating offshore wind turbine test facilities this month to see first-hand how graduates are being trained to design, develop, operate and regulate offshore wind.

Independent research commissioned by the Crown Estate found that new floating wind farms off the coast of South West England could create more than 5,000 new jobs and boost the economy by up to £1.4 billion.

Labour has already announced it will establish Great British Energy, a new state-owned company with an initial £8.3 billion budget to invest in clean homegrown power, if the party is in Government after the next General Election.

Last month, Keir Starmer confirmed that floating offshore wind will be a “priority” for Great British Energy, describing it as one of the “main drivers for the future.”

Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:

“The UK has the potential to be a world leader in floating offshore wind and I was proud to see first-hand the pivotal research the University of Plymouth is playing in realising this goal.

 

Floating offshore wind will bring benefits nationwide, but also to the South West where a large number servicing, construction and research jobs could be created if we get this right.

 

The University of Plymouth is already the recognised research hub for floating offshore wind so let’s motor ahead and realise the huge opportunities for more green jobs in the South West.

During the visit, Luke met the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Judith Petts CBE, and academics, including Professor Deborah Greaves OBE, Professor in Ocean Engineering.

Professor Greaves recently submitted a paper to the Celtic Sea All-Party Parliamentary Group, arguing that South West will lose out on investment and economic growth in the offshore renewable sector without a dedicated UK Government Celtic Sea Strategy.

Deborah Greaves, Professor in Ocean Engineering at the University of Plymouth, added:

Developing Floating Offshore Wind energy on our doorstep off the coast of South West England is a unique opportunity that could sail away from our region unless it is anchored by a dedicated Celtic Sea Strategy.

 

The potential economic and environmental benefits to Plymouth and surrounding area, the Celtic Sea wider region, and our nation are enormous, but there is a risk we could lose investment to other areas or overseas without clear support from Government. Already, we have seen Falmouth miss out on recent funding for key infrastructure.

We are grateful for the support of our local MP, here and in Westminster.