Member Article

North East is key to country’s energy future, says minister

The North East will play a major role in the transformation of the UK’s energy mix in the coming years, the Energy and Climate Change Minister Charles Hendry said yesterday.

The MP was in the region to speak at a major conference on the importance of having a balanced energy mix.

Mr Hendry addressed more than 200 members of the energy sector supply chain about the importance of achieving a balanced energy future for the UK.

The Minister discussed the Government’s energy policy at the event and the important role supply chain companies will play in utilising a balanced mix of oil & gas, nuclear and renewable resources for the UK’s future energy requirements.

He said: We’re going to see a transformation of our energy sector over the next ten to fifteen years.

“We want to see new nuclear and the North East can be part of that. We want to see carbon capture and storage and the North East will be part of that.

“We want to see a major roll out of offshore wind and many of those manufacturing jobs will come here to the North East.

“This is a really important time in terms of rebuilding our energy infrastructure and the North East stands to gain more than any other parts of the country from that. “

Mr Hendry added that the North East with its strong skills base in manufacturing, engineering and the fabrication of offshore facilities would put in good stead for large foreign investment both now and in the future.

George Rafferty, NOF Energy, Chief Executive, said: “If you look at the investment that needs to be done in the energy infrastructure.

“The energy industry could provide the kick-start to the UK economy and it could be a period of significant growth in the UK.

“Not just in the offshore renewables, but oil,gas, nuclear and offshore renewables.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .