Regional leaders demand more power to strengthen domestic growth in the offshore wind industry. 

‍
Regional representatives across the northeast UK have requested the government to provide local authorities with more power to deliver on London’s ambitious offshore wind plans. Attendees at the OWNE2024 conference in Sunderland heard how devolved groups can play an active role if Ministers allocate reasonable powers and enable each region to implement the best practices.

The discussions came as the Tees Valley and North East Combined Authorities are creating their local growth plans to enhance supply chain activities, and the government prepares to deliver a 10-year nationwide Industrial Strategy.

Tees Valley Combined Authority head of net zero Chris Rowell said the area, consisting of large parts of the Energi Coast offshore wind cluster, was exploring ways to boost their powers and funding. Ross Lowrie, the net zero and low carbon growth principal manager of North East Combined Authority, stated that a £4.2 billion devolution deal agreed last year would enable its potential to support the development of an additional 16GW.

Lowrie explained that their goal is to secure the infrastructure required to get businesses to build and be based in the area and to take a leading role in skills development and community engagement. 
‍

Lowrie highlights that the UK has the potential to be a global leader, but only if we focus on domestic development projects. There are multiple businesses based in the region, and working globally due to the available ports, suppliers, skills and innovation.

‍