They are pushing for the Chancellor to use next week’s Autumn Statement to announce measures to support new floating offshore wind projects.
The UK is already a world leader in traditional offshore wind and is home to the four largest farms.
But the Tory MPs want to see similar success in floating offshore wind, which uses new technology allowing turbines to be placed further out to sea where there is higher wind potential as they are not based on fixed structures like convention turbines.
Selaine Saxby, who represents North Devon, said: “Under Conservative leadership, the UK has become a world leader on offshore wind, which has helped grow coastal communities’ economies.
“But, we should look to go further, faster. By supporting the construction of floating offshore wind farms, we will help nurture a new British industry, access clean renewable power in deeper waters, and revitalise coastal communities that haven’t yet benefited from the fixed offshore wind farm revolution.
“Furthermore, investing in the port infrastructure for floating offshore wind will unlock jobs and investment for coastal communities.”
Ms Saxby, who is leading a Westminster Hall debate on floating offshore wind on Thursday, added that the private sectors needs to be incentivised, “rather than Labour’s plans for state-owned energy companies and green borrowing.”.
She said: “Policies such as sustainably priced contracts for floating offshore wind farms, full capital expensing for renewables supply chain companies, and further support for ports upgrades would all help unlock private investment in this exciting sector.
“The Chancellor must make floating offshore wind a priority this Autumn Statement and look to the success of offshore wind.”
Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell said offshore windfarms are “now an undoubted British success story, bringing benefits to coastal communities”.
She added: “In our pursuit of greater economic growth and energy security, we should now redouble our efforts.”
Stephen Crabb said the “industry is growing and is set to bring a whole host of economic benefits to coastal communities” such as his Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency.
Lynsey Jones, senior climate programme manager at the Conservative Environment Network, said expanding renewable energy is the “best way to improve the UK’s energy security”.
She said: “In particular, we should be taking advantage of our naturally windy seas. We’ve already established ourselves as a world leader in fixed offshore wind, and now the Government should turn its attention to floating projects.
“The supply chain for these developments is yet to be fully established. The Government needs to seize the opportunity to mature this new industry and reassure renewables firms that Britain is still the place to direct investment.
“The Chancellor should use the upcoming Autumn Statement to expand support for manufacturing in ports where they can make the most of favourable freeport tax conditions.
“He should also make capital expensing permanent, which would improve the business case for new wind farms.”
