Wind turbines may generate jobs

SCUNTHORPE'S steelworks are in an ideal position to provide the backbone for the nation's new eco-friendly powerhouses, a leading industry expert said.

Steel industry expert Prof Richard Lynch of Middlesex University in London, spelled out the potential boost after the Telegraph revealed Corus was in the running to provide the steel for a new £1-billion, 250 wind turbine project off the coast of Wales.

"The important thing is steel has to find new customers and wind turbines are an enormous area to go for, simply because they use a fair amount of steel," he said.

"A company like Corus is ideally placed to supply the steel.

"With government backing there is no question that Corus can reap rewards from windfarms."

His optimistic outlook was shared by Scunthorpe MP Elliot Morley.

"I have long argued that investment in low-carbon energy would be good news for our area," he said.

"I have always thought the investment in wind would be good news for Scunthorpe.

"It is a very big contract, but there are many more to come and we have got the very big investments taking place in the North Sea.

"There is a very good chance the plate for those turbines will be made in Scunthorpe as well."

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