Almost every home in the UK could be powered by offshore wind energy by the year 2020.

The UK’s Energy Secretary, John Hutton, has announced plans that will see almost every home in the UK powered by offshore wind energy by the year 2020.

Mr Hutton launched the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to the European energy industry. He said: “The draft plan I’m setting out today [10 December 2007] could allow companies to develop up to 25GW of offshore wind by 2020, in addition to the 8GW already planned.

“This potential major expansion will be subject to the outcome of a Strategic Environmental Assessment. But if we could manage to achieve this, by 2020 enough electricity could be generated off our shores to power the equivalent of all of the UK’s homes. This could be a major contribution towards meeting the EU’s target of 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2020.”

Offshore wind farms were initially piloted in 2001 as small demonstration projects. In 2003, three designated areas were chosen for larger-scale projects, and by 2014 potentially 8GW of capacity could be operational. The proposal would create enough energy to power up to 25 million homes by 2020, by allowing a further 25GW of offshore capacity.

This growth in offshore wind capacity increases the UK’s standing in renewable energy. Hutton commented: “The UK is now the number one location for investment in offshore wind in the world and next year we will overtake Denmark as the country with the most offshore wind capacity. I want to ensure the UK remains one of the best places for renewable business.”

Friends of the Earth, the environmental charity, has welcomed this proposal having campaigned for an increase in UK renewable energy. The organisation’s renewable energy campaigner, Nick Rau, said: “We are delighted the Government is getting serious about the potential for offshore wind…There is a lot more renewable energy out there - from big wave and tidal power projects to roof-mounted solar PV panels. If we make the most of these abundant resources we could generate almost half of our electricity from renewable sources by 2020.”

As part of the proposal, an advisory board is being created, chaired by Mr Hutton, to offer expertise and advice about renewable energy opportunities.