The region’s MPs and business leaders have descended on parliament to demand ministers put their money where their mouth is on renewable energy.
Representatives from some of East Anglia’s biggest projects, including the offshore windfarm East Anglia One and nuclear power plant Sizewell C, laid out a five point manifesto at the House of Commons on Wednesday calling on the government to better support the region’s green energy firms.
In it, the group appeals to the government to provide certainty over policies on shifting to renewable energy, invest more in green skills, and do more to facilitate manufacturing in the UK.
The document was presented at an event hosted by Waveney MP Peter Aldous, who urged the government to deliver a set of fresh incentives to invest, from planning reforms and investment relief for renewable energy projects in line with the oil and gas allowance.
Kevin Keable, chair of East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), added: “We believe this will establish a new way forward for energy in the East of England.
“We have worked with local authorities and many other key regional stakeholders to arrive at this point.
“The region stands at the forefront of the UK’s energy landscape, boasting a diverse range of commercial energy generation sources, including nuclear power, natural gas, onshore and offshore wind, solar, and biomass.
“It hosts 47 Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects – more than anywhere else in the country – to power the UK and deliver better, faster, greener, fairer and more resilient results.”
Protect biodiversity
The first point in the manifesto stresses the importance of promoting biodiversity and ecosystems, and making sure they are taken into consideration in strategic decisions.
It urges the government to conduct “innovative and comprehensive” studies on marine conditions to support the creation of offshore technology and infrastructure which doesn’t harm the natural environment.
The manifesto states: “Our region’s rich marine science resources and local supply chain experts are well-equipped to contribute to this endeavour, but this can only happen where growth and opportunity support innovation.
“It is essential that investment and therefore innovation in biodiversity enhancement are encouraged.”
Skills and job creation
The rapid evolution of renewables, coupled with a generation of experienced workers retiring, has led to a major skills gap.
This shortage is causing delays and reduced efficiency, pushing up the cost of energy production and making life harder for developers.
In its second point, the manifesto calls for “increased local integration with government skills policy and industry” to make sure investment in training and education can be channelled to the right places.
“Economic prosperity”
The manifesto outlines the need for a “stable and predictable energy policy” in order to attract the investment needed to achieve energy security and transition to a low carbon economy.
A group of investors managing £1.5 trillion in assets warned the government last year that a lack of clarity on green policies risked stalling investments needed to reach the 2050 net zero target.
The manifesto states that as well as supporting the transition to net-zero, clearer green policy would “promote a circular economy beyond energy, including transportation, agriculture, and food production”.
Supply chain
The fourth point highlights the need to invest in infrastructure that can facilitate “large-scale manufacturing and construction” in the east.
The manifesto says: “The East of England faces a very competitive market as substantial investment in European ports and industrial sites is competing to attract engineering and manufacturing contracts.
“If this region wants to capitalise on these opportunities, new investments are needed.”
Local engagement
Finally, the manifesto calls for better local engagement to get people on side with renewable projects.
It says: “It is imperative that the energy industry collaborates closely with regional bodies, including local government, academia, transportation, food and agriculture to ensure the socio-economic advancement of each county.”
Sourced by: edp24.co.uk
