Laboratories could benefit from green commitments

Laboratories researching green technologies could be well placed in the years to come to capitalise on government initiatives to boost renewable living and sustainability.

Market analyst Frost & Sullivan claims that many of the materials used in green technologies are currently imported from overseas - such as batteries for electric vehicles, which are typically produced in Asia and particularly in Japan.

However, with manufacturer Nissan planning to move electric car production to the UK's Sunderland area from 2013, the prospect for laboratories to develop battery technology within the domestic market seems good.

Similarly, global companies with operations in the UK could boost their production of technologies such as photovoltaics in order to meet the need for solar panels in the years to come.

Frost & Sullivan adds that Germany, which receives similar levels of sunlight to the UK, has become the largest generator of solar power in the world through concerted efforts to implement the technology.

The news follows the UK's coalition government's publication of its agreement on policies for the coming parliamentary term, including a commitment to sustainable living and renewable energy sources.