|
New figures show massive public support for renewable energy although a survey reveals the subject has largely been ignored during general election campaign. In addition, across the UK as a whole, the latest figures show that employment in renewable energy has increased by 9%.
|
|
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) say that almost eight in ten (78%) British people currently support the use of renewable energy to provide the UK’s electricity, fuel and heat, according to the latest figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
DECC’s latest Public Attitudes Tracker, published just days before the general election, also shows that nearly three-quarters (71%) agree that renewable energy provides economic benefits to the UK.
On the various renewable technologies, solar was the most favoured with 81% stating their support, followed by wave and tidal (74%). There was also considerable support for offshore wind (65%) and biomass (63%).
This comes in contrast to technologies such as nuclear 39% and 24% for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas.
It also shows the public that two-thirds of the UK is very or fairly concerned about climate change (66%) and about energy security, with 72% very/fairly concerned about the UK becoming too dependent on energy from other countries.
The latest DECC figures come shortly after a survey of the Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) membership which revealed that 95% of renewable industries feel that the main political parties have failed to adequately address the needs of the sector throughout the ongoing election campaign.
Commenting on the survey, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, Dr Nina Skorupska said: “Public support for renewables has been consistently high for many years, with the benefits to energy security and climate change clear. Renewables hold the key to decarbonising the UK and the growth of our sector goes hand in hand with future proofed resilient and cheaper bills and thousands of skilled jobs across the country.
“Despite this, our membership survey showed that renewable energy companies across the country have felt sidelined during the election campaign. Therefore, as we approach the election it is vital that the political parties acknowledge the public’s support for our sector and work with us to enable the renewables industry to thrive”.
The organisation has also recently released regional and national jobs analysis, which has revealed remarkable growth in the UK’s renewable energy labour market.
In the UK as a whole, employment in renewable energy increased by 9% across all sectors, bringing the total number working in the industry to 112,026. In comparison, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported average growth of 1.2% during the same period.
The East Midlands, North West England, London and Scotland saw particularly large increases in a number of renewable energy sectors. The highest performing sector this year was in biomass heating, where employment increased by an average of nearly a fifth (19%) across the UK.
London continues to be the leading area for renewable employment where 21,034 people are currently in post. This is followed by the South East England region (14,767), and the North West (10,693).
The increase in renewable energy employment is now outstripping growth in market values in many sectors, suggesting that recruitment is now increasing to catch up with the previous years’ growth in market values. However, with the outcome of the impending General Election and any potential consequences it may have on the renewable energy sector still very uncertain, the REA has warned that the industry must not become complacent.
Full details will be launched in the second Annual REA Review Report, due out soon, and will also cover deployment and investment figures and analysis. Whilst both Labour and the Liberal Democrats pledged to grow the number of green jobs in their manifestos, the Conservative party made no such promises.
Commenting on the figures, Dr Skorupska said: “We are delighted to see such significant jobs growth across all technologies and industries in the renewable energy sector. This reflects greater confidence not only in the renewables market, but also the wider economy as a whole. Our industry offers a wealth of unique and exciting career opportunities and plays an essential part in ensuring that the UK meets its renewable energy targets.
“Whilst these new figures are extremely encouraging, it is of upmost importance that renewable energy remains a priority for the incoming government. We look forward to working with the next government to ensure that even more is done to support our industry to ensure we can continue to create more skilled jobs and maintain the important growth seen over the last couple of years”.
|
