Mr. Bill Sadlier:

I wish to address some comments made by Deputies Dooley and Stanley on the cost of offshore. As I stated, we need to move the narrative away from the cost of renewable energy and toward focussing on its benefits, including security of supply, sustainability and economic benefits. The industry across all technology is going through an unprecedented reduction in cost and efficiency. Our nearest neighbour has experienced a twofold reduction in the cost of delivering offshore since 2013. It established its offshore programme with the average price approximately £120 per megawatt hour but is now delivering offshore wind at approximately £55 per megawatt hour. However, it got there by creating the environment and ambition to establish supply chains and operational maintenance hubs. It is now delivering offshore wind in the UK for 30% less than we can from onshore. That price differential goes to the economic modelling for the wholesale power price which accompanied our submission to the renewable electricity support scheme, RESS, consultation in respect of the reduction in energy price on capital costs.