Go bigger on offshore wind to cut UK net-zero costs – LCP

Displacing nuclear with offshore wind backed up by flexible thermal power plants and storage can cut capital costs

The UK could reach net zero faster and save almost £50bn ($70bn) by 2050 compared with its current trajectory by deploying more offshore wind than is currently targeted, according to new analysis from modelling firm LCP, commissioned by utility SSE. The system could then be balanced with peaking thermal plants and storage capacity. LCP’s analysis found a further £28bn of benefits would be delivered in the decade after 2050, bringing the total savings to £76bn. LCP's cost-saving scenario sees offshore wind capacity hitting 93GW by 2050, about 20GW more than the 2050 level implied by the government’s target of 40GW by 2030. "Anything we can do to reduce capital costs is going to