Government statistics relating to the use of the Green Channel fast-track patent service could inspire more workers to sign up for renewable energy courses.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills revealed the facility has processed - or is processing - 329 applications with environmental benefits since May 2009 and the wait time has been reduced by three-quarters on average.

Commenting on the news, intellectual property minister Baroness Wilcox pointed out the patents are likely to create jobs and could boost the economy, with these perks potentially increasing demand for renewable energy courses.

"Putting the UK at the forefront of the green technology industry will deliver enormous benefits to this country," said Ms Wilcox.

The government also reported that 86 per cent of requests for fast-track patents have come from British businesses.

Last week, the university and science minister David Willetts highlighted how the coalition government has managed to ring-fence funding in several areas of research and suggested this will help to deliver stability.

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