Global renewable energy-focused companies are eyeing large offshore wind investments, with UK sites of particular interest.

Hundreds of millions of pounds are expected to be invested in turbine manufacturing from companies such as US-based General Electric, Germany's Siemens and Gamesa of Spain. GE is to invest £100m ($157m) in a manufacturing plant in the UK that is to create 1900 jobs by 2020, while Gamesa will spend €150m to set up its worldwide centre for offshore wind in the UK, which will include an R&D and turbine producing site.

Global offshore wind investments will create 70,000 jobs in the UK, according to the UK's government.

UK prime minister David Cameron said he wanted the UK to be a world leader in offshore wind energy, and expressed hopes that major international manufacturers would choose the country to build their businesses.