Trump’s ‘Misguided’ Critique of UK’s Wind Industry ‘Success Story’ | Science, Climate & Tech News
Energy organizations have responded to incoming US president Donald Trump following his criticism of UK’s wind turbines.
On Friday, the president-elect advised the UK to “eliminate windmills” and urged a revival of oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
Donald Trump suggested the UK dismantle its wind turbines, which significantly contribute to energy generation. Pic: Reuters
Industry body Energy UK, which advocates for both clean and fossil fuel energy firms (excluding those searching for new oil and gas), emphasized that wind power enhances energy security in Britain.
An Energy UK spokesperson remarked, “Offshore wind is a remarkable achievement for the UK—significantly contributing to the nation’s shift towards clean energy, boosting energy security, and delivering economic advantages across various regions.”
They further noted that the recent surging energy prices faced by UK consumers are largely due to fluctuating gas prices, and that domestic clean energy sources like wind will lessen reliance on gas imports.
According to Jess Ralston from the energy and climate think tank ECIU, there is very little gas remaining in the North Sea. Previously conducted Sky News analysis corroborates this view.
“Regardless of policy perspectives, the North Sea’s gas reserves are dwindling. We must reduce our demand for gas and expand our renewable energy sources, or we will face increased imports from abroad,” she added.
The wind sector is “flourishing and fostering job creation and economic progress throughout the country,” she noted.
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According to the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), there are currently 30,000 jobs in the UK’s offshore wind sector, with expectations for that number to reach 100,000 due to government plans to increase capacity to 43-50GW by 2030.
OWIC estimates that every additional gigawatt of wind energy contributes £2bn-3bn to the UK economy.
The Crown Estate calls UK offshore wind a “success story,” stating it produces enough energy to supply the equivalent of 50% of households in the UK.
The government aims to establish the UK as a “clean energy superpower,” having attracted an extra £34.8bn in private investments into local clean energy industries since its election in July.
In contrast, China, which poses a considerable challenge to the US economically, is advancing rapidly in wind energy, accounting for two-thirds of all new wind and solar installations globally.
However, the UK still relies on oil and gas for 75% of its energy, and offshore fossil fuel initiatives continue to provide approximately 100,000 jobs. Offshore Energy UK (OEUK), which includes members from the offshore oil and gas sector, asserts that it is essential to utilize remaining resources to sustain jobs and the economy.
Tessa Khan from Uplift, an organization campaigning against North Sea oil and gas exploration, stated on Friday: “Misguided criticisms of the UK’s ambitions to become a clean energy superpower won’t alter the facts—most of our gas has been burned, and what’s left is predominantly exported.”
She accused Mr. Trump, who assumes office on January 20, of “advocating for the interests of US oil and gas companies.”
Last week, the UK government expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new US president while emphasizing the need to “reduce our reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and transition to clean, homegrown power managed within Britain.”
A government spokesperson added: “Our priority is a fair, structured, and successful transition in the North Sea, aligned with our climate and legal obligations, and we will partner with the industry to safeguard current and future quality jobs.”
