IPPR report calls on UK government to boost wind energy sector

15 April 2009

The UK government seems to be coming under increasing pressure for stepping up efforts to more intensively harness the potential of wind energy. An Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report warns that UK runs the risk of missing out on tens of thousands of jobs in the offshore wind industry unless the government extends greater support to the sector.

The report says that the UK must prioritise the expansion of its offshore wind capacity if it were not to fall short of the legally binding 15 per cent renewable energy target by 2020.

With wind likely to emerge as the largest contributor to the target, the report says that a potential for creating up to 70,000 long-term jobs exists in the industry in parts of the country where they are most needed.

But this would require the government to act fast to remove barriers to investment , provide additional focused support to the industry and build up the skills base.

UK has the biggest offshore wind capacity in the world, but only 700 people are currently engaged in the industry. Also the most of the wind farm equipment has been imported from overseas manufacturers.

The IPPR report goes on to say that the government needs to be more proactive in creating an environment of certainty in the sector to spur investment toward it.