A MASSIVE economic boost has been handed to Worcestershire and the Midlands by the onshore wind industry, according to new figures released.

The research by RenewableUK claims £17 million of this helps improve onshore wind capacity in the region, which currently powers 195,791 homes each year and saves 352,925 tonnes of CO2.

There are about 60 organisations in the Midlands that are involved in the onshore wind sector including Endurance Wind Power in Worcestershire, which manufactures wind turbines.

Maria McCaffery, chief executive of RenewableUK, said: “The British onshore wind energy industry is adding £906 million a year to the national economy, so the benefits to the UK are clear to see.

“This report also shows that onshore wind really does bring benefits to the UK – with £7 in every £10 spent on projects invested in the UK.

“Onshore wind powers local economies, bringing £199 million of investment into local areas where communities host wind farms, and creating jobs across the supply chain.

“The industry is helping to propel Britain to a brighter, cleaner future – onshore wind is already the lowest cost of all low carbon options, with potential to be the least cost form of electricity within the next five years.

“Yet onshore wind farms are under threat from misguided Tory and UKIP policies aimed at stifling their development, despite being the rational economic choice and having consistently high levels of public support.”