Green Reaction to Masterplan

24th January 2008

Sheffield Green Party has criticised the city’s Economic Masterplan for focussing on building offices, apartments and shops instead of exploiting the city’s technical and engineering expertise. While welcoming the plan’s attempts to boost the local economy and create jobs, the Greens say that it would be better to do this through investing in renewable energy and other
“green” technologies.

“Renewable energy is the future, but Britain is lagging behind” said Green Party Co-Chair David Hayes. “This country has the highest potential in Europe for wind, tidal and wave energy, but Denmark has now taken the lead in wind turbine technology. Financial incentives in Germany to encourage renewable energy production have jump-started a huge industry there. Even China is investing in solar energy plants in Spain. Sheffield needs to be at the cutting edge of these technologies if it wants to get on the European map .

"Sheffield could apply for European funding, for example, from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is looking for opportunities to invest in renewable energy," added Mr Hayes. "But the Economic Masterplan still places a very high priority on the old formula of more offices and commercial development.

“The Made in Sheffield’ mark is the perfect brand to promote our manufacturing capabilities. No other city in the world has a name that identifies it so clearly with quality and manufacturing excellence. This success should be championed and built upon. The Green Party would like to hear from firms who want to develop or expand renewable energy and are calling for more support for these firms from the Government financed city development company Creative Sheffield."

ENDS

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