The meeting, held at MintMech’s facility in Jubilee Wharf, focused on how local expertise can contribute to meeting the UK’s renewable energy targets and the challenges that must be overcome to seize this opportunity.
UK’s Offshore Wind Energy Goals and Challenges
The Government has pledged to quadruple offshore wind energy production from 15 to 60 Gigawatts by 2030. Despite record-breaking offshore wind power in 2023, the country is not yet on track to meet this goal, according to industry body, WindEurope.
“With some of the best wind resources on Earth, Cornwall and the rest of the UK can be a world leader in offshore wind energy,” said Jack Berryman, director at MintMech. “At the minute, we are at risk of missing that opportunity. Cornish knowledge and skills are being exported around the world for projects in other countries, but there’s so much more work we could be doing at home first.”
Cornwall’s Expertise in Marine Construction
Based in Penryn, MintMech supports offshore installations around the world, from Asia to America, but Kirkham hopes Cornish companies will soon be busy on UK projects.
“At a recent Celtic Sea Power event, I saw just how many brilliant companies are doing amazing things here,” said Kirkham. “Cornwall has a long history of industrial innovation. We’ve got the heritage and the expertise, now we need a strategy that ensures Cornwall maximises the benefits of offshore wind energy.”
Infrastructure Challenges and Grid Connectivity
The discussion covered the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. Kirkham referenced ongoing conversations with the National Energy System Operator (NESO) about ensuring that potential wind energy hubs are well connected to the grid.
“Cornwall is often perceived as a region reliant on external support,” said Laurie Thornton, director at MintMech. “But this time we can lead the way. Cornwall is raring to go and has the potential to be a major player in the offshore wind energy revolution, helping the UK meet its ambitious wind power goals.”
Investments and Future Prospects for the UK’s Wind Sector
Despite the challenges, there is momentum. Kirkham highlighted The Crown Estate’s £50 million Supply Chain Development Fund, launched to ensure the UK is prepared to meet offshore wind demands. The first £5 million was awarded in 2024.
The conversation with MintMech comes as new government data confirms offshore wind energy’s growing role in the UK’s energy mix. In 2023, almost half (46.4 per cent) of the country’s electricity came from renewable sources, a record high, and offshore wind accounted for over a third of this (37 per cent).
The industry now awaits decisive action to ensure that the UK meets its clean energy goals while securing economic benefits for local businesses and communities.
