Energy Bill Should Encourage Renewables Firms to ‘Commit’ to UK

Trebling investment in low-carbon power provides the “stability and confidence” renewable energy developers are looking for from the Government, according to an industry leader.

Sam Pick, of the Renewables Network, says details set out in the Energy Bill, which was published today, will also stimulate vital growth in the green supply chain.

New policies, included in the legislation, allow ministers to treble investment in clean power from £2.35 billion this year to £7.6 billion by 2020.

Mr Pick, whose Humber-based organisation represents more than 250 members working across various forms of renewable energy and supporting businesses, believes the contents of the Bill are particularly relevant for the region’s hopes of being a centre for the offshore wind industry.

In recent weeks, politicians in the area have expressed the need for the Government to be clear in its commitment to the renewables sector, to help encourage major manufacturing giants, such as Siemens, to set up operations in Hull – creating hundreds of jobs.

Mr Pick said: “It’s very positive that government support for low-carbon energy will increase to £7.6 billion by 2020.

“This should provide stability and confidence for renewable energy developers to commit to the UK market.

“That in turn provides exciting opportunities throughout the supply chain for small British businesses to break into this high growth industry.”

Today, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey set out the Government’s vision for the industry, saying it was a “once-in-a-generation transformation” of the country’s power sector.

A major focus is on renewable energy, with the Humber region holding ambitions to be a UK capital for green business.

It is hoped Siemens will build a wind turbine assembly plant in a scheme known as Green Port Hull.

And Grimsby is already home to boat crews involved in the installation and maintenance of the technology in the North Sea.

The Renewables Network’s member organisations reflect the diverse supply chain that may form around these bases, from energy companies and engineering businesses to training providers and law firms.

Mr Pick said: “For Hull and the Humber, this Bill will hopefully be the solid foundation from which the Green Port Hull vision can develop and we can become the UK’s marine energy centre.”

John Sparrowe, managing director of Hull-based Northern Divers, said the Government now needs to clearly set out the finer details of the Bill, and the implementation of the policies, to ensure renewable energy developers feel the UK is a good place to invest.

Mr Sparrowe, whose business is one of Europe’s most respected civil engineering and commercial diving firms and has worked on a North Sea wind farm in the past, said: “Businesses working in the renewable energy sector – including both developers and their supply chains – need very clear messages and a long-term commitment by the Government to guarantee its future.

“Hopefully the Bill, and the finer details emerging, will provide this support so we can harness the rare opportunity renewables, and particularly marine power, holds to create hundreds of much-needed new jobs and business across the Humber region.” 

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Press release, November 29, 2012