Region a renewable powerhouse, says report
A NEW report highlighting the strength of the renewable energy sector in the North West states that it employs more than 9,400 people and is worth £1.2bn.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) report, Renewable Energy: Made in Britain, states that the North West has 611 companies operating in the sector, and greatest number of people working on wind power and heat pump technologies than anywhere outside London and the South East.
It also highlights the important work being carried out in the region by the Joule Centre for Energy Research – a collaboration between several North West universities.
Nationally, the sector supports around 110,000 jobs, which should rise to 400,000 by 2020 if government targets on climate change are to be hit. The
REA warns that a failure to meet targets will mean continuing to import 80% of gas from abroad, which will cumulatively cost the country £60bn to 2020.
REA chief executive Gaynor Hartnell said: “When it comes to the employment, economic and energy challenges we face, this report gives a clear answer: Make it renewable, and make it in Britain.”
Climate change minister Gregory Barker said: “Renewable energy not only provides us with clean and secure energy that cuts our reliance on imported fossil fuels – it generates billions of pounds of investment and potentially hundreds and thousands of jobs and is a key growth sector for the UK economy.
“The REA’s report sets out plainly the opportunities and challenges in this area. We are determined to seize the momentum and secure maximum benefit for the UK.”
The report was sponsored by Myriad CEG, which has a wind power base at Horwich in Bolton. Group managing director John Adkins said: “This excellent report clearly shows that with a bit more long-term, joined-up thinking from Government the renewable energy sector can reach its true potential, as both a driver of employment and economic growth.”
