UK: Increased bioenergy employment in the UK
The U.K.-based Renewable Energy Association (REA)recently announced employment in the country’s renewable energy sector grew by 9% in 2013-14, reaching 112,026 workers.
Biomass heating was the highest performing renewable energy sector during the year, with employment increasing 19% across the UK.
“We are delighted to see such significant jobs growth across all technologies and industries in the renewable energy sector,” said Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the REA. “This reflects greater confidence not only in the renewables market, but also the wider economy as a whole. Our industry offers a wealth of unique and exciting career opportunities and plays an essential part in ensuring that the UK meets its renewable energy targets.”
“Whilst these new figures are extremely encouraging, it is of upmost importance that renewable energy remains a priority for the incoming government,” Skorupska continued. “We look forward to working with the next government to ensure that even more is done to support our industry to ensure we can continue to create more skilled jobs and maintain the important growth seen over the last couple of years.”
Employment in the biofuel industry increased from 3,509 in 2012-13 to 3,829 in 2013-14, equating to an increase of 9.1% employment for biomass boilers increased by 19.3%, from 4,510 to 5,379, while biomass combined-heat-and-power (CHP) employment increased 9.6%, reaching 2,289, up from 2,180. Employment in dedicated biomass power also increased, from 3,320 to 3,830, a 15.4% increase. In addition, employment in the energy from waste sector was also up 8.6%, from 6,545 to 7,109. Employment in the production of biomass, including wood for fuel, increased by 10.6%, from 8,960 to 9,913.
Source: Renewable Energy Association (REA)
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