WIREDGOV

WWF yesterday described as it ‘fantastic news’ the announcement by DECC 1 that wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa is set to invest £125million in a factory in Leith, Scotland a move which is expected to create 800 direct jobs.

Yesterday’s announcement adds to the 13,800 jobs in the UK renewables sector which according to the Department of Energy and Climate change have been announced since April 2011 alone.

Commenting, Jenny Banks, energy and climate change policy officer at WWF-UK, said: "This is fantastic news and a massive vote of confidence for Scotland's leading position as a location to do business in renewable energy. It's also is particularly welcome as it comes a week in which the government has bent over backwards to offer tax breaks and guarantees to the oil and gas industry.

"Companies are investing in Scotland because the Scottish Government has given the renewable energy sector the vocal backing and policy certainty that investors are looking for. Westminster politicians should take note: talk up a sector and investment flows; talk it down, and investment dries up."

Notes to editors

1. DECC: World-leading energy firm invests in UK (23.03.12): http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn12_028/pn12_028.aspx

2. DECC: Renewables investment and jobs 1 April 2011 – 17 Jan 2012: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/meeting-energy-demand/renewable-energy/3994-renewables-investment-and-jobs-announced-1-april-t.pdf   

For further information, please contact:

George Smeeton, Tel: 01483 412 388, Mob: 07917 052 948, email: GSmeeton@wwf.org.uk