Energy Bill Unlocks Access To 95,000 New Jobs In Low-carbon Sector

30 Nov 2012

Business and green-energy sector welcome publication of Energy Bill.

The publication of the Energy Bill has today been welcomed by a cross section of British industry.

A coalition of low-carbon business groups has said the Bill will pave the way for around 95,000 jobs to be created over the next 10-15 years in their sector.

The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) and RenewableUK said the government’s proposals for reforming the electricity market would help to unlock billions in investment in low carbon generation, enable the UK to meet its energy security and climate change targets, and create thousands of jobs.

John Cridland, CBI Director-General also welcomed the Energy Bill on behalf of those sectors that rely on large amounts of energy for production saying:

"Energy-intensive manufacturing is finally getting its place in the sun today, by the exemption from necessary new energy costs.

"This is vital for such companies to play a key part in our low-carbon economy and it is good news that the Government has listened to our calls to build in support at this early stage, which will ensure we reap the full economic benefits at the earliest opportunity."

The publication has been crucial in aiding investor certainty but the CBI warns investors will need to see the momentum kept up in Parliament so that the Bill can get onto the statute books as quickly as possible.

"The next vital debate is to decide how to improve energy efficiency and deliver real benefits to the economy. The current policy landscape is too complex, so we will look forward to seeing how today’s electricity demand reduction proposals can move us towards a simpler, more strategic approach," says Cridland.

Keith Parker, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association said: “The Bill provides much needed investment certainty. A major nuclear new build programme will lead to substantial industrial and employment benefits – including considerable opportunities for the UK nuclear supply chain and a boost for UK manufacturing and construction.”

Jeff Chapman, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Associations said: “The publication of this Bill will give a good deal more confidence to those businesses that are developing the UK’s first CCS projects and laying the foundation of a world leading industry.”

Maf Smith, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK said: “This Bill is crucial in setting the investment framework for the next 20 years and ensuring that we can build on our current world lead in offshore wind and marine technologies, and guarantee clean domestic power and tens of thousands of green jobs”.

Source: http://www.dofonline.co.uk/content/view/6684/152/