THE prediction of 12,000 jobs being created by the low carbon economy in the Liverpool city region by 2015 means this embryonic sector is being taken very seriously.
Inward investment agency The Mersey Partnership (TMP) has set up a Liverpool City Region (LCR) Low Carbon Economy Committee to promote and stimulate growth in the area.
Mark Knowles, TMP Low Carbon Economy manager, said: "This is a growth sector with an international edge, as governments worldwide want to reduce carbon emissions.
"The UK Government has taken a world-leading position and was the first to set binding reduction targets of 80% by 2050 from 2000 levels.
"That translates into legislation with carbon emission targets for industry, especially for energy, building and transport.
"But it does give opportunities for the market and companies which hit these targets."
Already, Vauxhall and Jaguar Land Rover are producing highly fuel-efficient vehicles.
This is made much of in JLR’s advertising for its Halewood-built Evoque.
There is further incentive for the low carbon economy as commodity prices rise from the economic growth of India, Russia, China and Brazil.
"It’s an opportunity for the LCR to use our assets to the best advantage, and also use this for inward investment," said Mr Knowles.
"So it’s new markets for existing companies and the chance to bring in new ones."
The region has a series of opportunities through its maritime-facing geographical location, including off-shore wind, tidal energy and, increasingly, biomass.
The latter is waste wood to produce power, via imports through Liverpool docks.
Already, RES runs a scheme in Alexandra Dock and it expects 80% of its stock to be delivered by boat from overseas, or via the Manchester Ship Canal. "That provides both a low-carbon benefit and a superport benefit," said Mr Knowles.
TMP has promoted offshore wind power for the last two years with Cammell Laird and Peel Group to use the region as their main base not only for the Irish Sea, but also around UK.
"Around £100bn will be spent over the next 10 years developing offshore wind," said Mr Knowles.
"And £18bn of that will be in the Irish Sea, from the Crown Estate leasing seabed to DONG Energy at Burbo Bank and RWE at Gwynt-y-Mor, off North Wales.
"Interestingly, the Gwynt-y-Mor windfarm is also owned 20% by Siemens and 20% by Stadt Werko Munich (the Munich Electricity Co)."
