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Renewables = 17,000 - 35,000 UK Jobs, Wales = Good natural energy resources + Objective One Funding

17,000 - 35,000 jobs there for the taking: Objective One funding and good natural energy resources gives Wales a head start

Responding to a report (1) published today (Friday 16 January), Friends of the Earth Cymru has written to Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies highlighting the economic potential of new renewable energy technologies to create jobs in Wales. The group is saying that Wales has a range of natural energy resources, plus the benefit of Objective One funding, with which to reap a high share of the average of 17,000 - 35,000 jobs predicted to be available in the UK renewable energy sector to the year 2020.

The environment group was responding to the publication today of the 'Renewables Supply Chain Gap Analysis' study by the UK Renewables Advisory Board (RAB). The study looked at the opportunities to develop a viable, long-term UK renewable energy industry, and predicts that between 17,000 and 35,000 jobs could be sustained in the period up to 2020. There are currently 8,000 UK jobs in the sector.

Friends of the Earth Cymru's energy spokesperson Neil Crumpton, said:

"Renewables are a win-win technology, providing pollution-free, locally produced energy and creating thousands of long-term sustainable jobs in the process. Wales, with its large natural energy resources and Objective One funding is well placed to reap a high share of these new jobs. It's not just about wind power. Technologies such as wave, tidal and biomass are moving from the test centre to full commercial production and could breathe new life into ports such as Amlwch and rural areas such as Llanidloes where jobs in traditional industries are currently being lost.

"The Assembly Government must build upon its current level of support for this industry and draw down Objective One money where possible. It would also be useful to ensure that powers over Building Regulations are devolved as soon as possible to create even more opportunities."

Notes

1) A copy of the report is available from: www.dti.gov.uk/energy