Industrial Strategy should have a strong low carbon element

“Our global leadership in combating climate change which we will maintain and take forward now presents us with a massive opportunity to enjoy industrial success.”

The industrial strategy should:

• Build on areas of competitive strength in manufacturing and services in areas such as ultra-low emission cars, smart ICT solutions, energy efficient technologies, offshore wind and project financing of clean energy development, to ensure businesses can take advantage of the global shift to decarbonisation.
• Complement the forthcoming emissions reduction plan (ERP) by maximising the growth and employment opportunities in the UK’s low carbon supply chain that will flow from a detailed ERP. In particular, by working with Local Enterprise Partnerships to support local businesses in competing for supply chain contracts and by considering how energy intensive industries can be best placed to form part of the UK’s growing low carbon supply chain.
• Include a low carbon skills strategy to ensure the UK’s workforce has the necessary skills to benefit from the growing employment opportunities in the low carbon sector and to support the transition of workers from declining industries such as North Sea oil and gas, to newer sectors such as offshore renewables.
• Reflect the shift to a more resource efficient or “circular” economy. This is a significant economic opportunity that could help reduce exposure to resource scarcity, create jobs and generate sustainable long-term productivity. Such a shift within Britain could create at least 54,000 net jobs and offset 11% of future losses in skilled employment by 2030.