MP Alan Johnson believes Hull could be the renewables capital of Europe – not just the UK.
The MP for Hull West and Hessle is urging the city to aim high and take full advantage of the opportunities the renewables industry could have on Hull's fortunes.
He was speaking after Siemens announced plans to build a wind turbine manufacturing plant in the city.
"We could be the renewables capital of Europe – if we get this right," he said.
For the first time, the politician revealed the wind energy giant picked Hull over 100 other European locations – including four in the UK.
He said: "There were over 100 locations that Siemens were looking at, with four locations in the UK, including Scotland.
"Siemens wants to build a manufacturing and export centre here.
"It is a big enough job sending 5,000 turbines to the round three wind farms in the North Sea, which are 12 hours steaming time from Hull.
"But then you look at the opportunity to export them around Europe and the rest of the world. This is big stuff."
He said that while lots of politicians would try to take credit for the announcement, he felt there were only two real heroes.
These were port director Matt Jukes and Mark Jones, head of economic development at Hull City Council.
However, he stressed that there was plenty of work to be done.
"This is not a done deal – it is a memorandum of understanding which I hope will turn into a contract."
Mr Johnson was speaking at a business breakfast event at The Octagon Centre, organised by the Children's University.
He pointed out that along with educational establishments such as Hull College and the University of Hull, the Children's University had its part to play in preparing the future workforce for the renewables boom.
He said: "What John Buttrick at the Children's University is trying to do is light the fire of aspiration in children at a very young age."
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