RenewableUK: Renewables Should Be the Cornerstone of UK Industrial Strategy

RenewableUK is calling on the UK government to make wind, wave and tidal energy key parts of its new Industrial Strategy.

In its response to the government’s consultation on the Strategy, RenewableUK shows how these technologies can meet the challenge of providing affordable energy and clean growth.

The document demonstrates that these industries are already providing major economic benefits to UK regions, including in areas with relatively low GVA needing new opportunities, RenewableUK said. Renewable energy offers a growing export market in manufacturing and services, and the UK is in a strong position to secure high-value contracts.

RenewableUK has also sent a joint letter, with five other trade associations, to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, urging the government to embrace a wide range of renewable technologies in its Industrial Strategy.

The letter states that “low carbon sources are now the low-cost energy option – with cost reductions more akin to those seen in electronics than traditional infrastructure”.

The signatories to the letter are: RenewableUK, Scottish Renewables, Renewable Energy Association, Solar Trade Association, Regen, and the Electricity Storage Network.

“It’s important that industries in the renewable energy sector work together in initiatives like this to make a joint case to Government demonstrating that low-carbon power is the way ahead,” RenewableUK’s Executive Director, Emma Pinchbeck, said.

”RenewableUK’s full response to the Industrial Strategy, which we’ve just submitted to Government, amplifies this with data and case studies. It shows that onshore and offshore wind, wave and tidal energy are key technologies, already delivering for Britain, and ready to power our country for decades with the right framework of support. Wind and marine energy tick all the boxes set out in the Industrial Strategy. These are innovative industries, growing exponentially, bringing economic benefits to all energy consumers, as well as creating thousands of jobs and attracting billions in investment.”