RenewableUK is calling for urgent clarification after negative comments on wind energy were made by the Energy Minister John Hayes in some of the morning papers.
The comments came the morning after Hayes addressed 400 industry delegates at the RenewableUK annual conference and gave a speech in favour of renewables. Addressing wind industry delegates for the first time, the new minister spoke of the need for clarity and certainty in renewable energy policy to create the right framework for investment.
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said: “As the wind industry meets in Glasgow to celebrate the success of this industry, it comes as some surprise that the new Minister has said one thing to us and another to the press. We are on the eve of the publication of the Energy Bill, a crucial time for energy policy, with huge investment decisions to be made that will lead to tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade. If we are to see these jobs and investment realised confidence must be retained and that means consistency.”
Reflecting on new figures in the industry’s annual state of the industry report showing record levels of approvals of wind energy projects and growth in jobs and investment Smith added: “The message is clear – wind is delivering jobs, growth and investment whilst decarbonising our electricity sector. The industry today stands united calling for Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey to continue his strong leadership on renewable energy strategy and allow the sector the confidence to grow Britain.”
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Press release, November 1, 2012; Image: bisgovuk