The Business Secretary, Vince Cable, is due to set out his plans for a new industrial strategy that will help kick-start the UK’s stuttering economy. Many in the UK renewables industry hoped that the Business Secretary would use the platform to reiterate the important role green growth can have in resurrecting the economy. However, it appears that renewables will not feature heavily, if at all, in the minister’s speech tomorrow.
Responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons today, Cable set out the basics of his long-awaited industrial strategy, speaking of the importance of supporting emerging technology, unlocking finance, supporting key sectors, Government procurement and the development of supply chains.
Cable spoke of his desire to avoid a return to ‘picking winners’ but highlighted the importance of supporting those sectors that require Governmental assistance in the long term. However, the minister made no direct mention of helping develop a stronger green economy in the UK.
Reacting to Cable’s answers to the House of Commons questions, Leonie Greene, the Renewable Energy Association’s Head of External Affairs, wrote on twitter: “Little by Cable on renewables in House of Commons. Passing mention of energy supply chains & confirmed support offshore wind. Don't sense a ramp-up here.”
The Business Secretary is due to outline his Industrial Strategy in a speech from midday tomorrow. It remains to be seen whether Cable will explicitly express his support for renewables in the UK.