Renew On Line (UK) 49

3. 35,000 jobs by 2020 ?

A new study of renewable employment opportunities commissioned  by  the  Governments  Renewables Advisory Board (RAB) found that that around 8000 jobs are already sustained by renewables in the UK and  claimed that by 2020, between 17,000 - 35,000 jobs could be sustained by renewables in the UK.  In his foreword to the report, Energy Minister Stephen Timms said: “The development of renewable energy is an important part of our efforts to tackle climate change. But it also offers a huge opportunity to enhance our manufacturing capacity and provide new employment, particularly in the remoter areas.” 

He added:  “We believe that the report will provide us all- industry and the public sector alike- with information about what steps must be taken for the UK to become a major player in renewable energy technology manufacture and supply.  As the report makes clear, there are a number of challenges that need to be faced and obstacles that need to be overcome. But as it also makes clear, the potential rewards of doing so are immense.”

The ‘Renewables Supply Chain Gap Analysis’  was led by a steering group comprising RAB, the DTI’s Renewables UK, the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Trade Associations. Regional Development Agencies also participated in the study which  considers the nature of the current market and the potential size and structure of future markets, identifying gaps in existing supply chains, opportunities for the UK and constraints. In addition to the job calculations, it contains some interesting overviews of how the renewable energy system might develop by 2020: see our cover for their estimates of likely costs of renewables by 2020. We will review the report  in Renew 150.  Meanwhile, it’s  at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/renewables/renewables_uk/publications.shtml

..but UK Energy Research Centre delayed

At long last a decision has emerged on the new £12m Research Council supported UK Energy Research Centre.  However none of the three University consortium who had applied to run the centre were appointed. Instead the Research Councils decided that ‘the best way forward was to invite a new single bid drawing on the strengths of each.’ and they invited Prof. Jim Skea, Director of the Policy Studies Institute, London, to facilitate this as Research Director Designate for the centre. He is to ‘liaise with researchers taking part in the Research Councils’ sustainable energy initiative and other experts to establish the centre’s research programme, aiming to have first funding awards in place by the end of the year and gearing up to full potential by spring 2005’.   For more see the Groups section of Renew 149.

* Scottish Power has been given planning permission for its Black Law wind farm in Scotland. Rated at 143MW, this £130m development is scheduled for operation in spring 2005.

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