More 'needs to be done to help renewable energy market'

An expert has suggested that more needs to be done to advance the renewable energy industry, which could include improved environmental legislation.

Managing director at Subocean Group John Sinclair has suggested that while the last two years has seen a growth in the sustainable offshore wind renewables market, there are still "significant challenges to overcome".

He said: "There needs to be a serious reality check of the offshore wind renewables UK supply chain. The UK supply chain is really struggling to access the market."

His comments come after the Department of Energy and Climate Change released figures which showed that total regeneration from renewable sources in 2009 was 17 per cent higher than in 2007.

A recent report from the Green Investment Bank Commission also revealed that £550 billion could be required for investment in order for Britain to reach renewable energy targets in 2020.

It stated that the UK could meet these goals if there was "scaled up government intervention", suggesting a revision in environmental legislation would be required.

Posted by Lauren Steadman