Vince Cable, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, has warned big energy companies to use more UK content, after he found out that one of the giant offshore wind operators had only 20% of UK content in its energy supply chain.
Mr. Cable did not disclose which company was at stake, but he confirmed that he had had a discussion with the company on this subject.
“The company assured me they couldn’t find firms in the UK with the relevant expertise, but admittedly they hadn’t tried. They are now trying and the purpose of the industrial strategy is to work with them,” the EDP24 news site quotes Mr. Cable as explaining yesterday at a House of Commons reception, which was organized by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).
In the light of Mr. Cable’s warning, EEEGR announced the opening of the EPISCentre later this year, which will serve as a regional coordinator of energy skills training. The centre will help local people get local jobs in the energy industry, and thus create an opportunity for firms to use more UK content.
The reception was also attended by Energy Secretary Ed Davey and regional members of parliament.