MP calls on Government to support floating wind farms off coast of Cornwall
Cherilyn Mackrory says the technology presents a "significant opportunity" to the county
Last updated 19th Oct 2022
Truro and Falmouth's MP is calling on the Government to do all it can to support floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate yesterday (Tuesday 18 October) on the delivery of floating offshore wind projects in the UK, Cherilyn Mackrory raised the "significant opportunity" the technology presents to Cornwall - such as the Twin Hub project.
She argued projects in the Celtic Sea are vital if the Government is to deliver its target to raise the UK’s floating offshore wind target from 1 gigawatt to 5 by 2030.
Speaking in the debate, Cherilyn said: "It is right that the Government have a target to raise the UK’s floating offshore wind capacity from one gigawatt to five by 2030. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will be crucial to reaching that target.
"A key part of the strategy is the Twin Hub project, which is the first floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea, based off the Cornish north coast.
"This offshore wind farm will produce more energy while taking up comparatively less space and, by 2025, will be generating enough electricity to power 45,000 homes.
"Falmouth is one of the deepest ports in the world and is ideally positioned to become an integration port where turbines will be put together before being towed out to sea.
"Falmouth should therefore receive its first share of the £160 million floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme to unlock wider private sector investment in the Celtic Sea.
"Cornwall has a rich and proud maritime industrial history. I believe the Government can build on that by supporting investment in the port of Falmouth and the development of TwinHub, as well as ensuring high-skilled, well-paid careers for Cornish young people."