Renewable energy sector set to create “hundreds” more jobs

In a survey of its members, published yesterday, RenewableUK found that 80 per cent of wind and marine companies were planning to take on extra staff in the next 18 months. However, the renewable energy association said that business confidence was being dampened by uncertainty over Government policy around renewable subsidies, such as the Feed-in Tariff and Contracts for Difference (CfDs), as well as a "cumbersome" onshore planning system that was holding back growth.

The poll of 151 companies found that 81 per cent planned to increase staffing levels in the next year and a half, with 25 per cent of them saying they intended to increase their number of staff by more than 20 per cent. Almost 40 per cent of firms said they would grow by up to 10 per cent. Currently 10,600 people are employed in the UK wind and marine sectors.

"This survey shows that the renewables sector is confident about expanding to meet our carbon reduction targets, delivering the twin benefits of energy security and job creation," Dr Gordon Edge, RenewableUK's director of Policy, said. "We need the right level of support from the Government to achieve this goal.

"Consultation is continuing with the Government on the Electricity Market Reform proposals, and the ROC banding announcement made last Thursday. We need to have a system that's fit for purpose to ensure that the economic growth which we want to deliver can be achieved."

Reform of the planning system