An Isle of Wight delegation has returned from a meeting with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hopeful that Government aid could be on its way to help create local green jobs.
The delegation met Mr Miliband on Thursday afternoon to discuss how the Island can expand its renewable technologies industry. Included in the party were IW MP Andrew Turner, IW Council leader David Pugh and chief executive Steve Beynon and Labour councillor Geoff Lumley.
In particular, he welcomed Mr Miliband's interest in the council's ambitions for the development of tidal energy technology in the Solent, with a view to tapping into the Marine Renewables Proving Fund, with government funding.
Mr Turner and Cllr David Pugh outlined the opportunities for significant Island job creation through Rotawave technology, which is being led by Island firm Vikoma. Mr Miliband again offered to make government officers available to explore how this technology could be developed. The IW Council has committed to working with Rotawave to urgently identify a suitable location for such activity
Cllr Pugh said: "I think we all felt that Mr Miliband was genuinely interested in what we had to say and in the possibilities that exist on the Island. We are extremely pleased to have opened up this channel of communication that takes us right to the heart of Government. We will continue to use this relationship as effectively as we can to develop our green industry potential and to create much-needed jobs."