‘Green jobs’ to save skills and boost the UK economy

October 22, 2020

With final investment decision looming over what would be the UKs largest offshore wind fabrication facility and the London School of Economics (LSE) stating that green jobs in the renewable industries could be the key to the UKs long term recovery from Covid-19. Can the green industry save the UKs skilled workers and boost the economy?

from google images

The offshore wind fabrication site planned for the Port of Nigg in the Scottish Highlands, would act as a major boost to Britain’s offshore wind supply chain. Supporting the regions transition from oil and gas to offshore wind. The Global Energy Group (GEG) who are bidding to build the factory say the 405-meter-long facility will look to build 90-100 towers a year, as well as jackets and floating turbines, for Round 3, Round 4 licensing and Scotwind projects. A training academy to support ex oil and gas workers moving into renewables is also planned.

If this ambitious project is successful it would allow the Port of Nigg to become the UKs hub for offshore wind activity, to service the UKs upcoming offshore developments. GEG will ensure a close working relationship with the UK government which retains many of the key levers needed to support the sector, ensuring the government are doing all they can to protect jobs and retain vital skills.

Investment in jobs that will help the UK meet its net-zero carbon targets for 2050 will also help to deliver the government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda, creating work across the country in the near term and setting the groundwork for sustainable and resilient longer-term economic growth LSE have written.  LSE have set out six areas where government investment could create jobs and advance the fight against climate change that includes clean power generation, distribution and storage. Other areas include carbon capture use and storage and blue and green hydrogen production; electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure; energy efficiency in buildings; natural capital projects; and active travel equipment and infrastructure, such as bicycles and cycle lanes.

The global demand for cleaner and more environmentally friendly products and technologies supports longer-term employment and growth within the sector.

Mentor IMC Group provides project resourcing solutions across all energy sectors globally via our regionally based offices. Register your CV with Mentor IMC Group today and be the first to know about new opportunities in the offshore wind market!

by Elise Reid