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RenewableUK Cymru welcomes First Minister’s commitment to low carbon economy

7 December 2011

  • Carwyn Jones: major opportunities in low carbon economy
  • First Minister’s pledge: Wales is open for business for renewables
  • Announcement hailed as vote of confidence in wind industry

RenewableUK Cymru, the representative body of the renewable energy industry in Wales, has welcomed the announcement by the First Minister Carwyn Jones that “the move to a low carbon economy presents major opportunities” for Wales.

Carwyn Jones declared that Wales is “open for business”, and stated that he “wants to maximise the generation of electricity from low carbon sources, including onshore and offshore renewables”, adding that “we will maximise the benefits of energy infrastructure developments for communities”.

RenewableUK also welcomes the First Minister’s recognition of the importance of the energy and environment sector to the Welsh economy.  Long term supply chain jobs in maintenance and installation of low carbon energy technology can provide high value and highly skilled jobs in areas of Wales which currently lack such employment opportunities. 

Llywelyn Rhys, Head of RenewableUK Cymru said:

“Today’s announcement will encourage industry confidence in Wales. The low carbon industry has a potential value of £50 billion over the next 15 years. RenewableUK Cymru looks forward to working closely with the Welsh Government and communities to ensure that this economic potential is maximised for Wales”.

RenewableUK Cymru will continue its commitment to working with local communities to release the energy potential across Wales.  This will make a significant contribution to the future energy security of Wales and will assist the Government in reaching its carbon reduction targets.  

-ENDS-

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Notes:

RenewableUK is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 700 corporate members, RenewableUK is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source for the last seven years, and this trend is expected to continue with falling costs of wind energy and the urgent international need to tackle CO2 emissions to prevent climate change.