Britain’s renewable energy and clean technology industries have urged the Prime Minister to embrace the “huge industrial opportunity” that moving to a low-carbon society presents, following a major speech by Theresa May outlining her Government’s priorities for Brexit.
Dr. Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, commented: “The advancement of renewables and clean technology is a global phenomenon and one that the UK has shown leadership on over the past decade.
“The transition to a low-carbon society is a huge industrial opportunity that is being embraced by many of the other great trading nations, such as Germany, China, India, and the United States.
“The UK has the opportunity to lead the way in areas such as energy storage, electric vehicles and bioenergy, all of which are sectors in which we have real expertise and have the potential to export globally. The industry needs clarity on the long-term vision and government ambition in these areas.
“Energy and the environment are two of the most complex and intertwined areas of UK and EU legislation. Every company in every sector wants a smooth, orderly and clear transition, yet the repercussions in this area are so wide ranging it has to be a top priority for the Prime Minister and her Government.
“Post Brexit there are still many areas we can, and should, work with the EU, with the Internal Energy Market and Climate Agreements being the two most important for our members.”
A spokesman for RenewableUK added: “The Prime Minister has sent a strong signal that Britain is open for business by stating that we’ll be more outward looking than ever before as a global trading nation.
“The renewable energy market is an international one worth hundreds of billions of dollars a year. As the UK is the global leader in offshore wind as well as wave and tidal energy, we’re well placed to attract investment and to export renewable energy kit to every corner of the world.
“There are huge opportunities in the booming renewables market for us to grow and create British jobs – and the Prime Minister recognises this, as she specifically cited clean energy as one of the innovative, cutting edge sectors in which Britain must remain a leader”.
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