Renewable energy is increasingly playing a key role in sustainable economic development in the UK. The UK Government aims to increase renewable energy generation to improve energy security and meet other climate targets.

However, a report by the British consultancy Baringa shows that fierce global competition for labour and equipment to produce wind turbines, power cables and solar panels could hinder UK renewable energy projects.

From a country where coal power accounts for 40% of the total energy supply, it is expected that all thermal power plants in the UK will stop operating by 2024. The proportion of electricity from renewable energy in the UK has increased from 10% (in 2010) to 40% of total electricity production in 2023 and will continue to increase strongly in the coming years.

The wind power sector is receiving much attention as the UK becomes the second largest country in terms of installed offshore wind capacity after China. The UK government aims to triple offshore wind capacity to 50GW by 2030 and quadruple solar capacity to 75GW by 2035. The wind power development plan recommends prioritizing investment in key areas, including the design and manufacture of offshore wind blades and towers, turbine foundations and electrical systems.

However, much of the key equipment is currently manufactured outside the UK. Baringa warned that these targets could be missed due to shortages of products such as turbine foundations, high voltage cables and vessels to install the equipment. Suppliers are also reluctant to build new plants due to uncertainty over turbine sizes and the level of government support for wind power development.

To address this, the UK government has taken steps to boost the supply chain and increase investment support. However, observers say a more comprehensive assessment of renewable energy development is still needed, and that relevant industries and the government need to work more closely to address supply chain constraints.

THANH HANG