South west renewable energy DOUBLES in past 12 months

Huge growth in capacity also results in jobs’ boom

South west renewable energy DOUBLES in past 12 months
Huge growth in capacity also results in jobs’ boom

A new report, launched today, reveals that renewable energy has more than doubled in the past year in the south west of England, creating thousands of new jobs.

Carried out annually by independent experts Regen SW, the Renewable Energy Progress Report – which collects together information on all of the known renewable electricity and heat projects in the south west – reveals that:
 

• RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY capacity increased from 217 MW in 2010/11 to 525 MW in 2011/12
• RENEWABLE HEAT capacity grew from 91.5 MW in 2010/11 to 119 MW in 2011/12

The growth is dominated by solar PV, which has seen 160 MW of smaller-scale PV and 75 MW of stand-alone solar parks installed in the past year.

Rapid growth in green jobs

This investment in renewables has resulted in rapid growth in jobs, and Regen SW estimates that 10,000 people are now employed in the sector in the south west. This represents jobs growth of 40 per cent year-on-year for the past few years– in the teeth of the recession.

Merlin Hyman, Regen SW chief executive, said: “This has been an exciting year for renewables – but it could be just the start. Renewable energy is the greatest economic opportunity of the decade: lead the way and we will enable great businesses to develop, flourish and sell their technologies and skills around the world.”
 

The report sets out five lessons to make the most of jobs and growth potential from renewable energy:

1. Clear, consistent government policy is vital: Clarity on ROCs, Electricity Market Reform and Renewable Heat Incentive over coming months will be vital 
2. Targeted strategies are needed nationally and locally to make the most of the economic opportunities from renewable energy
3. Some elected representatives are misreading the public mood: there is a strong and consistent majority in favour of renewables
4.  We need all renewables: there is no silver-bullet technology. 
5. Communities must be more engaged in renewable energy developments

Renewable Electricity Growth

The current capacity and annual growth of each renewable electricity technology is detailed in the table below:
 

Counties’ performance

Devon has caught up with Cornwall as the south west’s best performing county, but all areas of the south west have seen growth.  Below is a county-by-county comparison for renewable electricity and renewable heat capacity

To view a full version of the Renewable Energy Progress Report: South West 2012 Annual Survey, visit: http://www.regensw.co.uk/projects/support-for-decision-makers/annual-survey

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Interviews
To interview Merlin Hyman or any member of Regen SW, contact James Reddy on the number below.

About Regen SW
Regen SW is a leading independent, not-for-profit, centre of expertise in sustainable energy. Its mission is to enable business, local authorities, communities and other organisations to deliver ground-breaking renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with thriving local supply chains.
www.regensw.co.uk

For further information
Please contact James Reddy on 07967 835947 or email james@jamesreddy.co.uk