SOME 23 MPs demonstrated unwavering support for the development of a world-leading renewable energy industry in the south west of England when they signed up to the UK's first regional renewable energy manifesto at Westminster, on Tuesday, June 4.

Those who signed include Sir Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon, Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter and Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton.

Launched at the House of Commons by renewable energy not-for-profit Regen SW, the manifesto sets out an ambitious target to deliver 34,000 high-value jobs in renewable energy this decade through eight specific commitments including supporting:

• a consistent regulatory framework to incentivise long-term investment in renewables

• investment in the national and local grid, and to roll out new "smart" technology

• putting communities at the heart of new energy developments.

"Today was a landmark occasion," said Merlin Hyman, chief executive of Regen SW, "Industry, MPs and Local Enterprise Partnerships have come together for the first time to make a strategic commitment to building a world leading renewable energy sector in the south west."

Regen's research shows a rapid growth in renewable energy generation over the past 12 months, and more than 10,000 jobs in the sector. However, despite this, the region is not on track to hit current government renewable energy targets of 15 per cent by 2020 and could miss out on the potential for 34,000 jobs to be created by 2020.

Stephen Gilbert, MP for St Austell and Newquay, who hosted the launch at Westminster, said: "The South West Renewable Energy Manifesto sets out clearly the case for jobs and growth of renewables across the region and I was delighted to host their event in Parliament. The renewables sector could deliver up to 34,000 jobs in the Westcountry alone and the scale of the economic opportunity in front of us should be grasped with both hands.

"The South West is uniquely positioned to lead the country in renewable energy; we have wind, solar, wave, geothermal and many more sources that we can use to lower emissions, create jobs and bring down bills in our communities.

"I am proud to support the launch of this manifesto and I'm pleased so many different organisations and companies have come together to speak with one voice over how this growing sector can benefit all of our communities. We have the weather and resources and we also have the engineering skill in our workforce – we now need to get on with the job."

Sir Nick Harvey, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, said: "I welcome the South West Renewable Energy Manifesto, which puts forward clear commitments to go further in making the south west a leader in green energy.

"We are fortunate to have some of the country's richest natural resources like strong winds and waves, but a lack of financial support has held the technology back for us to really harness this potential – particularly when it comes to marine energy. It is time for us to grasp the region's energy resources and put the south west on the map as a world leader in renewable energy."

The full South West Renewable Energy Manifesto document can be viewed online at http://goo.gl/57WwL">http://goo.gl/57WwL.