A new report has highlighted the importance of the North of England and Scotland to the UK's offshore renewable energy sector.

The Offshore Renewable Energy Science and Innovation Audit (SIA) was one of eight audits commissioned by Government to set out the UK’s strengths in key areas.

The studies will help regions to map their research and innovation strengths and identify areas of potential global competitive advantage.

The offshore renewable energy SIA focused on major ports in the North East, Tees Valley, Humber and Liverpool local enterprise partnership areas and Scotland.

Overall, it found academic research in offshore wind, wave and tidal is world-class in terms of both quality and volume and there are at least eleven universities in the area with critical mass in, or with close ties to, the field of offshore renewables.

In addition, the number of people directly employed in offshore wind could double between 2017 and 2032, meaning there is an immediate need to join up education and training providers with the future industry demand for a higher-skilled workforce with key skills in areas including engineering and manufacturing.

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However, while the SIA found a number of mechanisms and organisations exist to coordinate academic activities in offshore renewable energy, the amount of funding available to offshore wind, wave and tidal is very small compared to other energy sectors.

European funding, local Growth funding and Enterprise Zone and other infrastructure development activities have also provided important resourcing and enabling support for this sector. As the UK's relationship with the EU changes in lieu of Brexit, the report said it is important to ensure that there is "continuity and more flexibility" in support from LEPs and other local partners.

Professor Nick Wright, PVC Innovation and Business, Newcastle University, said the SIA has confirmed the North of England and Scotland together "constitute a world-class cluster of activities in this crucial field".

"It was a great pleasure to see the wonderful progress being made across the board from offshore wind to wave and tidal energies and also see the future potential for this region.

"The report highlights some major opportunities for the cluster in terms of new technologies and we look forward to working with the Government to drive those forward."

Dr Stephen Wyatt, Research & Innovation Director for ORE Catapult, said: "A strong science and research base in offshore renewable energy provides the support framework needed to allow UK businesses to flourish, creating jobs and economic benefit and attracting inward investment.

"Our ambition is for the UK to become world-leaders in innovation in key technology areas. Our strengths in robotics, artificial intelligence and composite materials, as well as our subsea engineering expertise, can see us take a leading role in areas such as floating wind, and in developing wave and tidal technology.

"This report is vital in supporting the forthcoming offshore wind sector deal to Government and proves confidence in the future of our sector."

To view the Offshore Renewable Energy SIA, visit here.

(LM/MH)