MPA calls on Government to extend offshore wind pledge

Offshore wind funding boost should include foundations as well as turbines, says Mineral Products Association 

THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the Government’s new £300 million commitment to boost the UK offshore wind sector, but says it should also include foundations as well as turbines.

Representing UK concrete producers, the MPA has called on the Government to extend its pledge by using public policy to back the concrete supply chain necessary to build floating foundations, thereby supporting domestic manufacturing, local sourcing, retaining UK jobs, and achieving the best value for the economy.

The MPA says offshore wind turbines built on floating concrete foundations can draw on domestic supplies of cement and aggregates, directly contributing to two of the Government’s five missions – kickstarting economic growth and making the UK a clean energy superpower. The Association wrote to the Chancellor earlier this year to express the industry’s readiness to deliver the essential materials for the Government’s five missions.

Floating concrete is not new – some floating concrete structures from World War II are still around today, 80 years later. The UK mineral products industry has the capability and expertise to supply the concrete required for the foundations, but MPA says some key steps are required to give the supply chain confidence to invest in production, especially a commitment to using domestic materials.

Mark Russell, executive director for environment and mineral planning at the MPA, said: ‘This is a great opportunity for the UK to deliver net-zero infrastructure and better energy security while supporting economic growth and backing domestic industries, but suitable changes to mineral planning and commitment from government to prioritize domestic supply are vital.

‘The MPA has long called for material supply audits for major projects to help the industry plan for strategic demand, and this sort of project is exactly why. Commitment to domestic production would be the strong signal needed to unlock investment right across the supply chain.’

Chris Leese, chair of UK Concrete, said: ‘Using concrete floating foundations will be the best way for the UK to develop its offshore wind capacity, for a number of reasons, not least that large quantities can be produced directly in UK harbours. The UK’s geological resources mean that concrete can be locally manufactured using materials produced in the UK, rather than importing these structures from overseas.

‘By using concrete, we can support our domestic concrete supply chain, including cement, giving regional economies an essential boost and providing local jobs and supporting the Government’s growth plans.’