The UK has announced a new target to source a third of its electricity from offshore wind by 2030, but faces criticism for not setting more ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions. The target is the result of a deal with companies in the sector that forms part of the government’s industrial strategy. The agreement is the first sector deal for renewable energy, and follows a period of rapid growth of wind power, which accounted for 17 per cent of the country’s electricity generation last year. The plan envisages generating 30 gigawatts from offshore wind by 2030, implying a doubling of the rate of new capacity additions to 2GW annually. Claire Perry, energy and clean growth minister, said the deal would bring a “surge” of new offshore wind power while bringing investment to coastal communities and the possibility of up to 27,000 jobs in the sector. Under the deal, the industry will invest £250m in a new fund dedicated to bolstering the UK supply chain. Financial Times

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