A collaboration of industry leaders, politicians and academic experts have unveiled a groundbreaking manifesto aimed at making the North West the world’s first net zero cluster.
The manifesto, announced today by Net Zero North West, is set to create and safeguard over 600,000 jobs, while highlighting the action needed to substantially decarbonise regional industry by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
The roadmap includes plans for greater energy efficiency, nuclear energy generation and improved rail infrastructure, enabling the region to lead the UK’s charge in tackling climate change.
It outlines a £30bn pipeline of live investable projects, with the opportunity for £207bn to be invested in the region overall, all aimed at decarbonising major industrial sectors in the region.
Research shows that the North West is the nation’s leader of manufacturing new, low-carbon technology, and has the highest number of potential jobs in green tech manufacturing. This is thanks to its rich industrial history and resources already in place, such as Burbo Bank offshore wind farm in Liverpool Bay and the Stanlow refinery in Ellesmere Port.
At the heart of the plan is a call for increased government support and assistance to drive key technologies like hydrogen and Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), develop enabling infrastructure, enhance regional communications, build appropriate skills and workforce, and provide overarching leadership to monitor progress and support project delivery.
Ged Barlow, chief executive at Net Zero North West, said: “Substantially decarbonising regional industry by 2030, and getting to net zero emissions by 2040, is an opportunity that presents significant economic benefits, both regionally and nationally. It will create and protect high value jobs and position the UK at the forefront of global industrial emissions reductions.
“Our plans underscore the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing the challenges of climate change. By setting ambitious targets and working towards a common goal of sustainability, we can inspire other regions to follow suit and join the global movement towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “While there might be challenges for reaching net zero on a national level, here in the North West, we will face up to the opportunity. More than 600,000 green jobs are within are within our reach, right here in our region.
“This is the right collaboration at the right time. Steve and I are showing our full support for both City Regions and the wider North West, for what is contained within this Manifesto.”
NZNW is determined to lead the charge towards a sustainable future and is calling on all stakeholders to join forces in this critical effort.
