David Cameron announced this morning that up to £60m would be invested to meet the needs of offshore wind infrastructure at our ports. The money is part of the £200m to be invested in renewables announced last week in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The Prime Minister told the Confederation of British Industry: “It will help secure our energy supplies, protect our planet and the Carbon Trust says it could create 70,000 jobs.”

The plans seem to have been received well by those involved in the industry. A spokesperson from Renewable UK said: “We are delighted with the Prime Minister’s announcement today on the decision to retain the ports fund, even more so as we are seeing an immediate positive reaction from turbine manufacturers detailing their investment plans. This is a great day for the UK’s wind industry. We are set to realise the full potential of offshore wind both in terms of energy and job creation, and are happy that the government has shown vision and drive over this particular issue.”

Colin Parker, vice-president of the British Ports Authority, said: “We welcome any assistance in development. My concern is that it might distort competition.”

Simon Bullock of Friends of the Earth welcomed the ports funding but added that “these sorts of proposals need to be backed up by stronger proposals for the Green Investment Bank. What the government has committed to is good, but not good enough- it has to be an independent bank, not just one in control of the Treasury.”