Civils contractors today said that the UK Government’s promise to power every home in the UK with offshore wind energy by 2030 will create jobs and drive economic growth for the rest of the decade.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the commitment in his speech to the Conservative Party Conference earlier today, unveiling £160 million in funding that will directly create 2,000 jobs in construction, and support 60,000 more in the wider supply chain.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Alasdair Reisner said: “CECA has long argued that the UK needs a mixed portfolio of energy generation and our geographical position as an island nation means we are ideally suited to taking advantage of offshore wind energy.
“The Government’s commitment to building back greener will create tens of thousands of jobs in the infrastructure sector, particularly in rural areas, and will offer opportunities to smaller companies in all parts of the UK.
“Offshore wind provides cheap electricity and will support high-quality jobs, as well as enabling the UK to tackle climate change and meet our low carbon commitments.
“It is an exciting time for the sector, which will act as a launch pad for our wider economic recovery from COVID-19, and deliver the low carbon generation businesses and communities will rely upon for many years to come.”
< ENDS >
