The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has warned Britain could miss out on tens of thousands of green jobs unless government puts more focus on renewable energy.
An IPPR report released today – Green Jobs: Prospects for creating jobs from offshore wind in the UK – points out that only 700 people are currently employed in the offshore wind industry and that there is just one UK factory making parts for turbines. As many as 70,000 jobs could be created in the sector if it is given the attention it needs, the report suggests.
It states that the UK will not reach its legally binding target of 15% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020 unless greater government support is bestowed upon the industry.
It points out that only 700 people are currently employed in the offshore wind industry and that there is just one UK factory making parts for turbines. As many as 70,000 jobs could be created in the sector if it is given the attention it needs, the report suggests.
“Offshore wind has great potential for UK jobs but we risk being blown off course,” said IPPR senior research fellow Matthew Lockwood. “The government’s pledge to achieve ambitious renewable energy targets by 2020 shows it is serious about its potential but we need to follow through with concrete policies to create greater certainty for industry, maximise the potential for the UK economy and realise our environmental goals.”
The report calls for a range of government initiatives which will bring more certainty to and inspire confidence in the renewable industry. It also says the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) should create an ‘offshore wind investment programme’ based on onshore successes of our continental counterparts.
It suggests there should be investment for companies that would be involved in the supply chain of wind turbine; a level playing field between tax breaks for offshore wind workers and those in competing sectors like oil and gas; updates to the National Grid; and an analysis of current capabilities and perceived skills gaps.
To read the report click here.
