Power play

More than 2,500 wind turbines need to be produced and if such lucrative contracts are won, it would provide enough work to boost the region's hard-hit manufacturing industry for some considerable time.

While the 100m green energy centre would have provided a much-needed cash injection to the economy, the really big contracts are still waiting to be secured.

Yorkshire is an ideal place for the likes of Mitsubishi or Siemens to base their factories. Its history of manufacturing expertise means the skills and infrastructure are here.

A location such as Alexandra Dock would be perfect, with the product being made just a short boat journey from its intended site. However, the competition will be fierce. Few areas of Britain have been spared in the economic crisis, and many will be fighting hard to get a slice of the green energy revolution.

Yorkshire has been the home of skilled and innovative manufacturing for generations – now the region's economic leaders must be pro-active to win over these major engineering firms.

The team in Hull should be congratulated on their efforts in launching a pitch to show the city's potential – this momentum must be maintained.

The potential rewards are there for all to see - one contract in Hull alone would result in a 100m investment and the creation of 10,000 jobs.

Furthermore, the Government anticipates that more than one million jobs could be created over the next 30 years. Green technology represents a billion-pound industry and, with the right leadership, Yorkshire could be a world leader in the field.