A study into renewable energy in Cumbria has said the sector could form a key driver in the county’s economic renaissance, creating up to 7,000 jobs, many of which will be mechanical engineering jobs and chemical engineering jobs.
According to the report, which was written by former Government energy adviser and environmental scientist Sir Martin Holdgate, the county is poised to meet a third of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020, and double that by 2050. It added that Cumbria could become a significant exporter of renewable energy by 2050 with 5.5GW of installed capacity, and meet the energy needs of more than 300,000 people through a mix of wind, hydro, tidal, solar, geothermal and biomass.
Roger Liddle, chair of Cumbria Vision, who commissioned the report, said: “This is a vitally important study that could form the backbone of Cumbria’s green industrial revolution. It sends a clear message to businesses and investors that Cumbria has serious potential for a wide spectrum of renewables. Renewable energy, along with nuclear new build, is a key driver in Cumbria’s economic renaissance.”
The publication of the report coincides with the news that engineering firm James Fisher Nuclear Services is to build a new nuclear test centre in the county. The company has hired local group Kier Construction to design and build the £1.5 million facility on the Bridge End Industrial Estate. Due for completion in August, it will consist of a 1,000 square-metre rig hall and 600 square metres of office space. Additionally, the new test centre is expected to create up to 16,000 jobs in Cumbria as part of the 20-year Energy Coast vision.