Exactly how the Green Investment Bank will be funded and managed continues to be up for debate but there is only so much longer this can go on before the “greenest government ever” gets a reputation for being all talk and no action

Immediately following the autumn spending review - which will in itself shed light on this government’s true priorities - the coalition would do well to turn its attention away from what is being cut to what is being delivered.

The Green Investment Bank has the potential to unlock the £550bn of investment needed if we are to meet our renewable energy targets and overcome the financial barriers preventing firms from playing their part in the green revolution.

The political will appears to be there, the research has been done and the options are on the table; now is the time for implementation and its success will be an early measure of the coalition’s prowess. Needless to say a lack of decision making on such a central component of the coalition agreement could have lasting consequences for green industries, economic recovery and, of course, the new government’s reputation.

Paul Roche, commercial director, SIG Energy Management

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