The Green Economy: Clear policy needed for future success
CERTAINTY of government policy is what’s needed if the green energy sector in Yorkshire and beyond is to fulfil its potential, according to experts.
But there are undoubted opportunities for growth in the region as commercialised technologies are taken advantage of and R&D potential comes through.
In-depth analysis on the opportunities and challenges in Yorkshire, and other key issues affecting the energy sector – including nuclear, low carbon energy and infrastructure, can be read in TheBusinessDesk.com’s ‘The Green Economy’ supplement, in association with law firm DLA Piper, which is available to download from today.
Click here to download The Green Economy supplement
Teresa Hitchcock, DLA Piper’s UK head of safety, health and environment, said: “The energy agenda is a dominant fixture in the wider world economy. With demand for energy forecast to double by 2050 and widespread concern over climate change only accelerating, the issues surrounding the need for a
global supply of economic, but also low-carbon energy, are coming increasingly to the fore.”
However, Ms Hitchcock said that over energy policy, “the Government’s right hand does not know what the left hand is doing”.
Commenting on the opportunities for the Yorkshire region, Natasha Luther-Jones, partner, projects, at DLA Piper, said: “We all have a part to play in the evolution of the energy sector and, if implemented successfully, the development of low carbon energy sources hold a number of economic and environmental advantages for the region.
“Already, Yorkshire is driving innovation and change in the low carbon economy and it is important that the region’s business community remains alive to new technologies and the ongoing development of those for the benefit of us all.
“Whether that be carbon capture and storage, the use of biofuels, energy efficient buildings, electrical network technology – there are ways for us all to get involved.”
Other issues explored in the supplement include an assessment of whether research, development and commercialisation efforts in the sector are being concentrated in the right areas, and how a balance must be struck between green and growth.
