Ambitions to make Cornwall a leader in clean energy have received a boost with a £4.5m investment in a range of projects from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Photograph: BW Ideol and V Joncheray

The investment is designed to accelerate Cornwall’s goal to maximise the opportunities for floating offshore wind (FLOW) generation in the Celtic Sea and establish the region as a key player in the UK’s transition to clean energy in the pursuit of net zero.

It will also complement other marine-related Good Growth Programme investments, including £2m towards future green skills and a £973,000 study to assess potential opportunities at Falmouth Docks.

Council leader and St Ives councillor Linda Taylor said: “We are committed to a sustainable future and to Cornwall’s net zero journey, which is why we are making targeted Good Growth investments in high-value and high-growth sectors.

“Floating offshore wind has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cornwall in terms of supply chain, renewable energy, job opportunities, and economic growth.

“We are strategically located for FLOW in the Celtic Sea and welcome the opportunities that it can bring for our residents in terms of job opportunities, economic growth, and our sustainable future.”