Coalition Government can provide green energy opportunities to the South West

The new Government has wasted no time in revealing details of its green agenda, including cutting carbon emissions and creating new green jobs, and the South West is in a strong position to benefit according to corporate lawyer and partner at Michelmores LLP, Ian Holyoak.

He said: "The Government has stated that amongst its many initiatives aimed at delivering more sustainable energy solutions, it will increase the target for energy from renewable sources and introduce measures to promote a huge increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion.

"It will also support the development of a new generation of offshore wind power and encourage community-owned renewable energy schemes. On every count, the West Country has been a leader in delivering new green technology and in changing opinion about its effectiveness and desirability.

"However, the South West has previously missed out on economic support in this sector because under a Labour Government a great deal of central funding flowed North into Scotland.

"With the political complexion in our region mirroring that of the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition, there is an unprecedented opportunity for South West MPs to influence their Government colleagues to financially support sustainable energy schemes in this part of the world, where there is already a pedigree of innovation in this sector.

"It is a huge opportunity to develop the South West as a centre of excellence and a world leader in sustainable energy development and climate change control. It will be interesting to see if the Chancellor announces anything in his forthcoming Budget."

Further information:
Neil Devons, Michelmores: 07711 137787