Apparently renewable energy has more than doubled in the past year in south west England, creating thousands of new jobs, according to the Renewable Energy Progress Report by independent experts Regen SW.
Renewable electricity capacity over the year was up 308MW by well over 50% to 525MW compared with 217MW for 2010/2011. Renewable heat capacity also increased by 27.5MW to 119MW in 2011/12.
Growth is dominated by solar PV, which has seen 160 MW of smaller-scale PV and 75 MW of stand-alone solar parks installed in the past year.
Investment in renewables has resulted in rapid growth in jobs, and Regen SW estimates that 10,000 people are now employed in the sector in the south west. This represents jobs growth of 40% year-on-year for the past few years– in the teeth of the recession.
Merlin Hyman, Regen SW chief executive, says: “This has been an exciting year for renewables – but it could be just the start! Renewable energy is the greatest economic opportunity of the decade: lead the way and we will enable great businesses to develop, flourish and sell their technologies and skills around the world.”
The Regen SW report sets out five lessons to make the most of jobs and growth potential from renewable energy:
1. Clear, consistent government policy is vital: Clarity on ROCs, Electricity Market Reform and Renewable Heat Incentive over coming months will be vital
2. Targeted strategies are needed nationally and locally to make the most of the economic opportunities from renewable energy.
3. Some elected representatives are misreading the public mood: there is a strong and consistent majority in favour of renewables
4. We need all renewables: there is no silver-bullet technology.
5. Communities must be more engaged in renewable energy developments
Photo shows: top, Goonhilly first wind turbines and above Glasto solar launch.
More information: http://www.regensw.co.uk/projects/support-for-decision-makers/annual-survey