LONDON: According to business consultants Oxford Intelligence, government policy remains the major motor for the successful implementation of international strategies for implementing renewable energy programs. "Pro-renewables policies will clearly support technology companies in the race to meet global energy requirements and in creating employment opportunities for British workers," the company said today.

Oxford Intelligence has released "Renewable Energies 2008", a study of top executives in renewable energy companies worldwide and their plans for international development over the next two to five years.

Michel Lemagnen, research director at the consulting firm, said, "We believe that it is imperative for government to act now and to implement policies that will enable key renewable energy firms to develop their international footprint."

The UK is still far from reaching 2020 European renewable energy targets and with increased commitment towards nuclear as an alternative solution to fossil fuels, this sends potentially the wrong message to renewable energy technology firms, according to Oxford Intelligence.

The firm's research found that 86 percent of senior executives in the renewable energy sector have firm international plans involving creation of jobs and facilities through to 2010, and that 60 percent have plans into 2013. In the short term the focus will be on Western Europe and North America with a strong interest in Latin American and developing Asian markets. Companies consider the UK, USA, Brazil, and Canada as the most popular markets for foreign direct investment.

Compared to European neighbors Denmark, Germany and Spain, the UK has been slow at producing home-grown renewable energy firms, potentially even larger job creators than foreign firms investing in the UK, according to the report.

"It's quite clear that the government can also invest in jobs and people by backing renewable energy technology companies and facilitating their global development plans, whether they be emerging British companies or foreign investors," added Lemagnen.

According to Oxford Intelligence, wind, biomass and biofuels will be the strongest growth areas through 2010 in terms of new job creation. In the longer term, 2020 scenario, solar thermal, photovoltaic and biofuels are expected to be the most significant job creators.