Clean energy will power the success of every sector, says Prospect

The UK government is aiming to double its current investment levels in green energy technologies to more than £30bn per year by 2035, it says in its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan that has been published today, Monday 23 June.

The plan says there will be investment to boost clean energy across a range of areas such as “wind, nuclear fission and fusion, hydrogen, carbon capture, heat pumps, networks and other critical technologies.”

It further promises that the plan will “create a new generation of good, industrial jobs with strong trade union representation and position the UK as a world- leading exporter of low carbon products, services and innovation.”

Sue Ferns, Prospect Senior Deputy General Secretary, said in response to the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan:

“Boosting clean energy is not only an important mission in its own right, it is central to the success of every other sector. It is welcome to see the government doubling down on this mission, focusing investment on key technologies like renewables and nuclear energy, and recognising the key role that trade unions play as partners in this strategy.

“Securing the investment is important, but perhaps the biggest challenge in this area is around the workforce. The energy workforce is undergoing an unprecedented transition, which creates opportunities for many but also serious challenges that need to be addressed.

“Delivering on this strategy in a way which creates prosperity and supports jobs will require the government’s forthcoming energy workforce plan to be as ambitious as possible and fully backed by all parts of government.”

More information about the government’s Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan can be found here.