PM: Coronavirus crisis can be a catalyst to invest in green energy’
THE CORONAVIRUS crisis should be used as a catalyst to invest in green energy and wind power, Boris Johnson will say in a keynote address to the virtual Tory conference, as he unveils funds to upgrade infrastructure in the Humber.
The Prime Minister will insist the Covid outbreak should drive a bid to make the UK a world leader in clean power generation.
Mr Johnson will say the green economy is a major area for economic growth in the wake of the crisis with the potential to create “millions” of jobs.
The Prime Minister will say the coronavirus crisis can be a trigger for a Britain to “build back greener”. The plan would see £ 160m made available to upgrade ports and infrastructure across areas such as Teesside and Humber in Northern England, Scotland and Wales as the next generation of turbines are built.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben
Houchen said: “I guarantee that nowhere in the country is better placed than Teesside to be the centre of Boris Johnson’s green industry revolution.
“Our plans are in place and diggers and local workers are on site getting the Teesworks land ready for redevelopment so we can create thousands good quality, clean, 21st century jobs for local people.”
The investment will see around 2,000 construction jobs rapidly created and enable the sector to support up to 60,000 jobs directly and indirectly by 2030, says the Government.
Mr Johnson will say: “I can today announce that the UK Government has decided to become the world leader in low- cost clean power generation – cheaper than coal and gas – and we believe that in 10 years’ time offshore wind will be powering every home in the country, with our target rising from 30 gigawatts to 40 gigawatts.”
Mr Johnson states the UK is to wind what Saudi Arabia is to oil.
The Prime Minister will say: “You heard me right. Your kettle, your washing machine, your cooker, your heating, your plugin electric vehicle – the whole lot of them will get their juice cleanly and without guilt from the breezes that blow around these islands.”