Member Article

Support offshore wind power says Energi Coast

The new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change must ensure the Government remains committed to offshore wind power, according to the Chairman of Energi Coast.

Alex Dawson made the announcement in the wake of Chris Huhne’s resignation and the subsequent appointment of Ed Davey to the position.

Over 100 Conservative MPs have now urged the Prime Minister to cut subsidies for wind turbines, but Mr Dawson believes that the Government needs to show continuity of policy, in a way which will benefit the environment and the UK economy.

He commented: “This should not be the time for a ‘new broom’ Secretary of State, but one who understands the benefits of renewables, and particularly offshore wind, not only to the environment and the country’s energy requirements, but also to UK industry.

“When Mr Huhne visited North East England last year to officially open my company’s new offshore wind turbine foundation plant, he was very clear that Britain should have an effective supply chain, serving both domestic and international markets, which can also make a considerable contribution to UK plc.”

Mr Dawson, who is also CEO if TAG Energy Solutions in Billingham, went on to note the enormous impact the industry has on the North East, and called on the new Energy Minister to recognise the importance of offshore wind power to the region and the wider UK.

“In our region alone, a group of 22 companies, who are part of North East England’s renewables group Energi Coast, have already invested £400m in their renewable energy operations and employ 6,500.” he added.

“I hope, as new the Secretary of State, Ed Davey emulates Mr Huhne’s support for the energy sector supply chain and take the opportunity to see first hand what it can do to ensure that his energy targets are fulfilled.”

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