Energi Coast, North East England’s renewables group, believes that almost 2,000 new jobs could be created for the region’s offshore renewables supply chain if the Government’s draft Energy Bill can create stability and clarity in the offshore renewables market.
Alex Dawson, Chairman of Energi Coast, says that the rapid introduction of the draft bill after the Queen’s Speech has to be seen as a positive for the industry.
He said: “There was some concern in the industry that this bill wasn’t going to be included in the Queen’s Speech, but its introduction demonstrates that the Government has a commitment to clean technology and clean energy, which has a potential to boost the North East supply chain.
What the government needs to do is introduce long-term price contracts to provide reassurance and market stability for investors in offshore wind farms, which need significant development expenditure, but subsequently have relatively cheap operating costs.
“It also demonstrates that speed is of the essence to not only create new momentum in the market, but deliver stability, clarity and confidence in the sector, which can deliver a boost to North East England’s renewables supply chain.
“This region has a strong and integrated supply chain, which already supports a workforce of 6,000, which can grow by about 2,000 if this bill delivers the opportunities we expect.”
“The Prime Minister has already signalled the Government’s intention to exploit the renewables resources in the North Sea with the creation of Norstec, which is a collection of operators and supply chain companies that are committed to ensuring that the UK energy market gets maximum benefit from the North Sea.
“Companies under the Energi Coast banner, which are global businesses based in North East England, are a key foundation for Norstec’s ambition to create a global hub in the North Sea and will play a key role in achieving this target.”
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Offshore WIND staff, May 22, 2012; Image: Energi Coast