The UK leads in offshore wind deployment across the world with approximately 3.6GW of installed operating capacity, and a further 1.4GW under construction as of January 2014, according to an annual report by Offshore Wind Programme Board (OWPB).

The report noted that the UK Government’s key priority is to maximise the economic benefit from offshore wind.

The county currently has more than 1,000 offshore wind turbines installations and claimed to be an attractive destination for investment.

DECC, in association with industry, has set out a plan to add between 8GW to 15GW of offshore wind power by 2020, and up to 41GW by 2030.

UK Energy Minister Michael Fallon said that the UK is the world leader in offshore wind, with more deployed than any other country, and a framework in place to retain its global lead.

Fallon said, “The benefits that offshore wind can bring are clear: as costs fall it can enhance our long-term energy security, reduce our dependence on imports and help reduce our carbon emissions.

“And, crucially, offshore wind can play a vital role in driving growth – adding billions of pounds of value to the UK economy and supporting thousands of jobs.”

In 2014, the works of OWPB will move from planning and establishment of structures to real delivery.

In its proposals, the OWPB has stressed on delivering the outputs identified by each workstream as crucial to delivery of cost reduction under the key headings of supply chain, skills, technology and innovation, contracting strategies, planning and consent, grid, finance, and operations and maintenance.

Going forward, OWPB will act as a hub for developers and supply chain companies to share experiences and best practices to drive cost reduction.