Setting out low carbon strategy for businesses

Jul 14 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

TOMORROW the Government will set out its tactics to help businesses clean up by going green. The Low Carbon Industrial Strategy will explain exactly how corporate UK can benefit economically from tackling the twin challenges of securing green energy supply and meeting climate change targets.

Ahead of the long-awaited white paper, the CBI has challenged the Government to focus on three key areas.

With public finances stretched, the CBI says the Government needs to attract significant levels of new private investment.

It calls on the PM to select a limited number of low-carbon technologies with the potential to add value to the UK economy built on the foundations of our existing industrial and academic strengths.

The CBI also urges more support for the commercialisation of new technologies through backing for research, development, deployment and the use of public procurement.

The Low Carbon Industrial Strategy could have a huge impact on the business landscape of the North East, which is fast becoming a hotbed for clean energy sources and low-carbon technologies.

The North East could be on the cusp of becoming a global epicentre for electric vehicles manufacturing with the ongoing success of Washington’s global Tanfield group, headed by founder Roy Stanley, which makes electric vans for a number of major firms.

Car manufacturer Nissan has already signalled that its Wearside plant is a “strong contender” to build the next generation of electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, yesterday the CBI urged the Government not to concentrate all its renewable energy efforts on offshore wind, despite a concerted campaign by the organisation in the North East to promote the sector as part of the Great North Revolution.

The call came alongside a report which claims the North East is the second worst performing UK region in a national league table for onshore renewable energy targets. The CBI called for a “more balanced” energy mix, including other renewables .

The North East could be on the cusp of becoming a global epicentre for electric vehicles.

Page 2: Views from the frontline of green tech