TAG Energy Solutions CEO and Energi Coast Chairman Alex Dawson has urged the new Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change to maintain the Government’s commitment to offshore wind power.
Immediately following the resignation of Chris Huhne and subsequent appointment of Ed Davey as the new Energy Secretary, more than 100 Conservative MPs wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to cut subsidies for wind turbines.
However, Mr Dawson believes that the Government should show continuity of policy, which will benefit the environment and the UK economy.
He said “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.
“In our region alone, a group of 22 companies, who are part of industry group Energi Coast, have already invested £400m in their renewable energy operations and employ 6,500.
“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.”
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Offshore WIND staff, February 07, 2012; Image: tagenergysolutions