A leading report has urged the UK to accelerate offshore renewable energy development to meet Net Zero targets.

The ORE Outlook 2040 report, authored by researchers at Southampton and Plymouth university, among others, highlights the need for significant growth in sea-based energy generation over the next 16 years.

The report outlines how to achieve a fair, sustainable, and secure energy transition by 2050, using 2040 as a milestone.

It emphasises the importance of research and innovation for economic growth, competitiveness, and maintaining the UK’s technological edge globally.

The report also states that achieving 100 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 is critical for the UK’s future energy supply.

Professor David White, a Co-Director of the Hub from the University of Southampton and co-author of the report, said: “This study uses 2040 as a critical milestone on the journey to Net Zero by 2050.

“In the timescale of energy infrastructure projects, 2040 is very soon. Our analysis shows urgent actions are needed to harness enough of the UK’s abundant offshore renewable energy to mitigate the climate crisis. This report is a call to action for everyone involved in ORE, as well as for the public – who need both energy and a liveable climate.”

Hub Director, The University of Plymouth’s Professor Deborah Greaves OBE said: “The UK has abundant offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources and leads globally in ORE technology, but faster, more focused action is required to ensure we meet Net Zero 2050 targets.

“Research and innovation is critical—accelerating the optimisation of existing technologies, reducing design uncertainty, and discovering new ways to plan and construct these devices.

“Business as usual is not enough; radical changes are required to ensure we have the innovation needed to upscale the offshore renewable energy sector and to develop the skilled workforce required to meet the needs of the future renewable energy sector.”