Energy Secretary Ed Miliband used his speech at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool to pitch clean energy as one of the biggest economic opportunities in a generation, framing it not only as an environmental necessity but a core pillar of industrial strategy. He argued that investment in renewables could reshape regional economies across the UK, pointing in particular to coastal and industrial areas such as Hull, Teesside, the Moray Firth and South Wales. These communities, previously reliant on declining heavy industries, are now being positioned as hubs for future growth and technological innovation.

Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the direction of travel, describing the clean energy sector as a major engine for employment. Forecasts from within the wind power industry suggest that its current workforce of around 55,000 could double by 2030, supported by continued expansion of manufacturing and infrastructure supply chains. This trajectory would create roles ranging from engineering and research to hands-on construction and maintenance, presenting new opportunities for welders, technicians and electricians seeking long-term, skilled work in rapidly modernising sectors.

Alongside economic benefits, Miliband emphasised that the energy transition must be underpinned by strong employment rights and fair pay. Industry bodies have echoed this sentiment, signalling that growth should not come at the expense of workplace standards. Instead, they argue the shift to clean power offers a chance to embed high-quality employment practices from the outset, setting clear expectations across employers and contractors.

The message from Liverpool was clear: the move towards renewable energy is no longer framed solely as a climate imperative, but as a workforce and industrial revival strategy. With thousands of new roles projected across multiple regions and disciplines, the sector is being positioned as a central driver of the UK's economic renewal over the coming decade and beyond.