OFFSHORE wind turbines can produce an energy output which is up to 25% higher than for similar turbines onshore.

This makes our blustery coastline ideal for windfarms.

In employment terms, that means in a new industry centred on Liverpool, a staggering 45,000 new jobs of the estimated 70,000 jobs to be created in the UK could be in the city and region.

“Liverpool has an enviable facility to exploit the imminent growth of offshore windpower, which is important to all of the UK,” said Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK chief executive.

“The windfarm hubs will be very localised. Liverpool is ideally suited to build and service all the UK west coast.

“The question is: are they going to get their act together here? It’s crucial to make a focused approach.”

Contrary to what many believe, the east coast windfarm industry is not ahead of the west coast, she believes.

“Although east coast zones are bigger, their ports are not better developed,” she said.

“About 15 - 20 new factories will be needed to make wind turbines and their cabling.

“There will be a lot of planned development in the Liverpool City Region.

“There is no point in sailing or driving components around the coast – build them here. This is all eminently deliverable.

“My main fear is history will repeat itself as 25-30 years ago the UK was at the same discussion table with its northern European neighbours, but did not step up to the demands.

“The result is Germany and Denmark have now established their supply chains.

“Their contribution is 10 times ours, although we have much more wind in the UK.

“This time we must keep the benefits of jobs and economics.

“It’s not a case of this not happening, as it will; it’s a case of ensuring the jobs come here and not go to the Continent.”

Siemens and GEC discussed opening east coast factories, so it was vital The Mersey Partnership showed at last week’s conference what a “tremendous facility” we had, she said.