Businesses urged to compete for global low-carbon opportunities

Two recent reports have outlined the opportunities in Brazil and South Korea for low carbon business development. One report was carried out by the Carbon Trust and identified £125 billion of alternative energy source opportunities in Brazil whilst a further report into South Korea suggests that 30 opportunities are available.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey said:

“The UK is leading the way to increase electricity generation from new and renewable sources and is providing sustainable solutions that can be applied and replicated across the world. These reports match UK strengths to South Korean and Brazilian needs in low-carbon goods and services. In South Korea there are more than 30 specific opportunities highlighted in new and renewable energy and also green building design and materials, as well as billions of pounds of opportunities in Brazil. So, whether you are an SME in the low carbon supply chain, an engineering company, a consultant, an architect, an equipment supplier or a materials producer, there are opportunities for you.” James Wilde, Director or Innovation and Policy at the Carbon Trust commented:

“Brazil is committed to growing its expanding economy in a low carbon way. This creates a huge commercial opportunity for British businesses, as they are leaders in many of the cutting edge low carbon technologies and services required to achieve this.” Lord Green, Trade and Investment Minister supported:

“As countries like Brazil and the South Korea look to further reduce their energy consumption, the UK is in a great position to lead the global transition to a low carbon economy. Companies in our low carbon sector are recognised globally for their innovation and expertise. UK firms are now well placed to take advantage of international opportunities, particularly following the London 2012 Olympics where sustainability and low carbon initiatives played key roles in seeing the Games recognised as the most sustainable ever.” In Brazil the opportunities are anticipated to be incidental to the hosting of the Football World Cup in 2014 together with the Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. The opportunities in South Korea are expected to result from the ambitious low carbon strategy set by the South Korean Government. They have committed to spend 2% of annual GDP on the low carbon economy.