Northern industry leaders to accelerate net-zero

Industry leaders in Nort West to come together in a bid to accelerate the region’s transition to net-zero.

The North West has the highest concentration of advanced manufacturing and chemical production in the UK – producing 40 million tonnes of CO2 every single year.

In a bid to reduce these emissions a group of nine industry leaders have formed Net-Zero North West – which is aiming to develop the UK’s first low carbon industrial cluster by 2030.

The companies, including CF Fertilisers, Essar Oil UK, Peel L&P Environmental and Siemens, will develop a comprehensive plan on how to decarbonise industry while also protecting jobs.

It is hoped that this project could save over 10 million tonnes of CO2 per year, create 33,000 new jobs and attract over £4bn worth of investment into the region.

Carl Ennis, Chairman of Net-Zero North West and CEO Siemens GB said: ‘Decarbonising the economy in the North West is critical to the success of the UK achieving its net-zero target.

‘We were the cradle of the first industrial revolution and The North West has the ingenuity, the skills and the passion to deliver on this vital transformation at the scale and speed needed to succeed.

‘This is not a technology challenge but a policy one and it’s time now for Government, national and local, to make good on their policies to lead on decarbonisation.

‘With the support of regional leaders, academia and business, Net-Zero North West is providing a strong voice and holistic vision for industrial decarbonisation in the North West.’

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: ‘Doing things differently doesn’t just mean a new set of policies – it means a new approach to managing energy altogether and, in working to decarbonise in the North West, we can create a blueprint for the world.

‘It wouldn’t be the first time. We can change ourselves, and we can inspire change in others.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay