Mabey Bridge has announced that its renewable energy division is up for sale, creating significant uncertainty about its future.
Mabey Bridge has been a vital part of the supply chain for wind energy projects across the UK, and Wales has benefited hugely from manufacturing wind turbine towers. It now seems that hundreds of jobs in Chepstow are at risk.
It seems inconceivable that the wider development climate for wind energy has not played a role in this announcement. Eric Pickles’ intervention in onshore wind projects in England, resulting in a catastrophic 12% approval for projects, has caused widespread outrage amongst developers and massive uncertainty for the sector. The Conservatives have highlighted their manifesto commitment for a moratorium on onshore wind from 2020 which has pointed to a bleak future for the industry in the UK.
Commenting on the announcement, David Clubb said:
“Mabey Bridge is a key part of the supply chain for the renewable energy sector in the UK and a valued employer in Wales. The future of the renewables division of Mabey Bridge has become less certain with the news of its impending sale.
“We very much hope that the business will be taken on as a viable concern. The uncertainty created by Eric Pickles’ interventions in the onshore wind sector in England, as well as the suggestion by the Conservatives of a moratorium on onshore wind from 2020, have created a precarious investment regime which threatens jobs across Wales and the rest of the UK.
“Onshore wind is cost-effective, popular and environmentally benign, and we call on politicians at all levels, from councillors to the UK Cabinet, to step up and show their support for this hugely important sector.”