Wind energy supports jobs and growth – Huhne

BENEFITS: Renewable energy – like wind power – brings economic advantages

Energy secretary Chris Huhne has revealed more evidence of the economic benefits of renewable power as he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to meeting EU renewable energy targets.

This came as the UK updated progress to source 15 per cent of all energy from renewable sources by 2020.

North Lincolnshire and the wider Humber region is set to be prime beneficiaries in the development of offshore wind power, which is central to meeting those targets.

Latest research from the Department for Energy and Climate Change shows that so far this financial year, companies have announced plans nationwide for almost £2.5-billion worth of investment in renewable energy projects in the UK, with the potential to create almost 12,000 jobs across the country. But the investment is well below the figure for 2009, when £7.1-billion was pumped into the sector, although it remains above the 2010 figure of £2.1bn. Mr Huhne said: “Renewable energy is not just helping us increase our energy security and reduce our emissions.

“It is supporting jobs and growth across the country, and giving traditional industrial heartlands the opportunity to thrive again. Our renewable target is less demanding than other EU member states, but the effect is bringing real jobs and investment.

“I do not want the UK to be left behind by turning our back on the green economy. The agreement to negotiate a global deal secured at Durban has reinforced major nations’ commitment to cutting carbon. We cannot afford to stand alone while the world wises up.”

Renewable energy projects in North Lincolnshire include a £400-million proposal by Able UK to build a Marine Energy Park on the South Humber Bank near East Halton, which would supply turbines to wind farms in the North Sea.

If the firm wins planning permission, it could lead to more than 5,000 jobs being created at the site and thousands more throughout the region.

North Lincolnshire has also seen developments in onshore, with eight turbines installed at Bagmoor Farm near Scunthorpe in 2009.  Continue reading more…