RenewableUK says a new report which shows that investment in the British wind industry increased by nearly 50% last year to £3.5 billion provides more compelling evidence of the case to develop the UK’s excellent wind energy resources.
The study “Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2013” by the independent Pew Charitable Trusts, says investment in all clean energy technologies grew by 13% to £7.5 billion in the UK last year.
The report highlights what it describes as the UK’s “abundant offshore wind resources and ongoing commitment to develop the sector” as factors which have “helped to bolster clean energy investment, enabling the UK to jump from seventh to fourth among G20 countries”.
RenewableUK’s deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said: “This report provides yet more compelling evidence that the British wind industry is a key part of our nation’s economy, attracting billions in investment and creating new clean-tech jobs. Only last month Siemens announced that it will be employing 1,000 people in Hull. These are the new green-collar jobs that will keep Britain’s future generations employed in the decades ahead.
“That’s why it’s all the more puzzling that the Tory party is apparently turning its back on the cheapest form of renewable energy, onshore wind, to appease a minority of their out-of-touch backbenchers. When voters make their choice next year on who they want to run the country, they won’t look kindly on politicians who carelessly undermine Britain’s growth industries just because they’re running scared of UKIP”.
As the Pew report was published today, another example emerged of the British wind industry taking further strides forward. The National Renewable Energy Centre and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult have announced a merger to create a national champion for the development and cost reduction of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy across the UK.
Mr Smith said “This good news shows how the offshore renewables sector is maturing. Having Catapult and Narec under one roof is going to help industry in its efforts to innovate and bring cost down. Narec has world leading test facilities vital for helping offshore wind, wave and tidal companies innovate and improve, so seeing this expertise brought within the ambitious programme of Catapult is a big step forward.”