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More funding needed for offshore wind, say ports

[ June 15, 2023   //   ]

The British Ports Association has welcomed the government’s extension of its Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS) has been extended but says that further funding is needed.

Chief executive Richard Ballantyne said: “Whilst we certainly appreciate the government’s recognition that ports need more time to prepare and deliver projects, unfortunately this news doesn’t address the need for further funding and if anything it limits what government will actually be able to award the sector over the next few years.

Offshore wind opportunities are vast. However our ports are in a ‘chicken and egg’ situation waiting for various announcements on public funding decisions as well as on leasing awards. The ports industry is going to be at the forefront of the rollout of FLOW by providing the land-side interface that offshore wind installations will require but we do need a bit more from policymakers to make it happen.

“There are definitely some further discussions to be had on additional funding and planning easements to meet the very ambitious expected offshore wind targets and timescales.

“However it’s still an exciting time for our sector and we look forward to continued cooperation with government and across the energy industry to help the UK realise its very real offshore wind potential.”

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