Need for swift action after the twitter

Mar 10 2010 by James Ramsbotham, The Journal

TWITTER is a remarkable social media tool. It enables you to discover at first-hand the thoughts of some really senior people in a friendly and open way.

Lord Drayson was in the region last week and his comments via Twitter give a fascinating insight into his visit.

He started by saying “Great to be back in Newcastle. Off to Centre for Life. World-leading centre for regen medicine. Clear blue skies again. Spring has sprung!”

Then, he travelled to visit the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Northumberland and commented: “Just seen the amazing progress at Blyth, Northumberland in wind turbine R&D. Awe-inspiring big electro-mechanical engineering.

“I’m talking a wind turbine as big as the London Eye on a pillar as tall as the Eiffel Tower. Oh, and there will be 6,000 of them in the N.Sea.”

Given that Twitter only allows you to make comments using a maximum of 140 letters per post (which explains the abbreviated nature of Lord Drayson’s comments), the Minister For Science and Innovation managed to pack incredible enthusiasm for the North East and its advances in new and renewable energy production into his postings.

Generating ministerial enthusiasm for projects in the North East is essential, especially in the arena of renewables.

Our region is incredibly well placed to be the powerhouse for the next generation. Our natural assets are extensive and our location alongside the Dogger Bank wind farm zone – the largest of the nine areas identified by the Government for offshore wind power generation – puts us in a prime position to lead in this area.

The fact also that Nick Clegg opted to use the banks of the River Tyne as the location to launch the Liberal Democrat green jobs manifesto demonstrates cross-party awareness for the North East’s eco credentials.

However, there is a serious message that every minister, politician and civil servant must understand. Talking about energy sustainability is not, in itself, going to achieve anything. We need swift action to ensure that both the North East and the UK are at the forefront of this burgeoning industry.

NECC published its energy policy report, Generating Growth, to coincide with the Climate Summit in Copenhagen last December.

It identified urgent policy areas that need to be addressed if the UK is not to face an energy deficit from 2015.

The planning system, infrastructure, regulatory environment, investment in R&D and supply chains all need to addressed immediately if we are to do more than pay lip-service to this crucial area of future economic growth.

I would urge Lord Drayson, and senior politicians from the main political parties to read NECC’s report.

James Ramsbotham is chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce