LABOUR peer Lord Prescott has called for Hull to harness the full potential of the renewables revolution.
The former Hull East MP urged the city to establish itself at the forefront of the “green revolution” after Siemens announced plans to build an £80 million wind turbine factory in Hull.
The former deputy prime minister made the impassioned plea at a Renewing The Humber conference at the KC Stadium yesterday.
He said Hull has always been known for being unique and the city needed to use that strength.
Lord Prescott, who first came to Hull in the 1960s, said: “It was the first to bring air raid shelters and the first to have its own telephone network – we have always been a city that has been known for being unique.
“We need to capture that uniqueness now.”
Lord Prescott was invited to speak at the conference, which has returned for the third time in two years.
It was held to provide delegates in the green energy sector with industry information, advice and support.
The topics covered during the day of speeches included what renewable energy means for the future of the Humber, planning considerations, supply chain opportunities and the need for skills and training.
Lord Prescott said: “The Humber has a wealth of assets.
“We have major green ports, ship building services, renewables opportunities, wind and tidal, coal and gas, carbon capture possibilities, we’re on the right side of the country for the continent, Drax, good infrastructure and, of course, the Humber Bridge.
“The bridge is a real asset now more than ever.
“We must remember that this isn’t about north bank and south bank.
“If we want to be the leading region in the UK for renewable energy, we need to show off our assets on both sides.”
After a day of networking, the conference ended with a speech by Mail editor Neil Hodgkinson.
He said: “The renewable industry is to many the industry of hope’.
“With soaring gas costs sending household fuel bills rocketing, we should be championing clean British energy and leading the drive for a low-carbon future.
“With research, creativity and business collaboration, we can work towards an energy future for all here on the Humber.
“Like Thomas Edison would tell his scientists – there is a better way, let’s find it.”
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Offshore WIND staff, May 02, 2012; Image: footprintrenewables