UK Energy Secretary Ed Milibrand today unveiled a record-breaking budget of over £1.5 billion (C$2.6 billion) to support clean energy projects significantly focused on offshore wind – with a view “to making Britain a clean energy superpower.”

In the latest renewable energy auction, the UK government has increased the budget by more than 50% from the previous allocation. Two-thirds of the total is specifically allocated for offshore wind projects.

“In an unstable world, the best way to boost our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown energy – making Britain a clean energy superpower,” Mr. Milibrand said.  

“As we move forward, our Mission Board will keep a laser focus across government on delivering clean, cheap energy to homes and businesses – but also on driving economic growth and creating skilled jobs right across the country,” he added.

The budget also includes £270 million for emerging technologies such as floating offshore wind and tidal energy, an increase of £165 million compared to the previous budget.

British business circles welcomed the government’s announcement, viewing it as a significant step toward achieving the UK’s clean power mission and increasing energy independence. Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK, and Dan McGrail, Chief Executive of Renewables UK, both expressed their support for the increased budget, noting that it would improve energy security, drive economic growth, and support thousands of new green jobs.

Set to take place in August, the auction will allow developers to present more renewable energy projects in support of the UK government’s 2030 clean power target.

(Dreamstime photo of UK wind farm on North Sea)