Following yesterday’s announcement by the UK Government that it will allocate GBP 46 million to projects in seaside towns across England and Scotland, RenewableUK issued a press release to highlight the fact that the Coastal Communities Fund is partially financed by the UK’s offshore wind industry, using revenue from The Crown Estate, which leases the seabed to offshore wind farm developers.
RenewableUK’s Director of Offshore Renewables Nick Medic said: “British offshore wind is helping to provide millions of pounds of much-needed funding every year to the UK’s seaside towns, as well as giving a boost to coastal communities which are already thriving.
“This is a tangible example of the offshore wind sector stimulating growth in the wider UK economy. It shows that as well as the direct benefits to Britain of the offshore wind industry, such as 13,000 jobs in the sector and £1.6 billion annual investment, the indirect benefits like community funding are becoming increasingly significant.
“The projects which will benefit from this latest round of funding will build on Britain’s rich and varied marine and coastal traditions. As an industry, we are delighted with the interest in the fund, and the fact that offshore wind is one of the ingredients in its success.”
This funding round is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and brings the total amount provided by the Fund to date to £116 million. It has helped financing 211 projects, creating 12,400 jobs and providing 6,000 training places and apprenticeships.
Image: Dong Energy (Illustration)