As of January 2014 the UK is the clear world leader in offshore wind with some 3.6GW of installed operating capacity and a further 1.4GW under construction. Maximising the economic benefit from offshore wind is a key priority for the government and together with the industry they have set out a plan to continue to be the largest global market for offshore wind, with the scenarios envisaging deployment of 8-15GW by 2020 and up to 41GW by 2030.

The Offshore Wind Programme Board (OWPB) brings together senior representatives from industry, UK and Scottish government, The Crown Estate and statutory nature conservation bodies.  It published its annual report on 19 February 2013. To enable the UK to retain its position as the world leader in offshore wind deployment, the OWPB has set out various proposals including it acting as a hub for developers and supply chain companies to share experiences and best practice to drive cost reduction and exploring the opportunity to collaborate with other international players in the North Sea region to deliver cost reduction and development at scale.

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