Government gives £10m to help wind industry

Sheffield engineering firm MTL is one of seven UK companies to benefit as the coalition Government bucks the trend for spending cuts in an effort to boost the fledgling turbine industry's manufacturing supply chain.

Britain needs to generate far more electricity from renewable sources over the next decade to meet its climate change commitments, with offshore wind set play a key role.

Two vast wind farms are being planned off the North Sea coast, and the Yorkshire Post is campaigning for a manufacturing hub to be established at the Humber estuary to build the 2,500 turbines required.

Announcing 10m in grants for firms involved in turbine manufacture, Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: "These investments can help our own businesses reap the benefits of renewable energy."

Sheffield engineering firm MTL was the main Yorkshire beneficiary, receiving 250,000 to help it manufacture steel fabrications for the huge turbine towers.

Managing director Dr Henry Shirman said the grant was great news and recognised MTL as a key player in the sector.