Powering up Clean Growth in the North West: Joint GM & LCR APPG Meeting
On Monday afternoon, the Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region All-Party Parliamentary Groups came together in Westminster for a thought-provoking joint roundtable on Powering Up Clean Growth in the North West of England.
Chaired by Jo Platt MP, the session provided a timely and in-depth look at the future of clean energy in our region and how we can ensure the North West leads the way as the UK looks to cement its status as a clean energy superpower.
With the UK’s legally binding 2050 climate targets and the Government’s ambition for an 81% reduction in emissions by 2035 facing growing scrutiny, the discussion focused on how the North West can step up, scale up and move faster on the road to Net Zero.
Key takeaways from the session:
Ian Smyth, Electricity North West, set out how devolution is driving ambition. He explained that through devolved governments, ambitious infrastructure plans can be delivered more effectively citing ENW’s request for an additional £250m to invest in enterprise zones and integrated residential-industrial energy solutions.
Liam O’Sullivan, ScottishPower, emphasised the importance of collaboration. For him, the key to powering up clean growth lies in bringing people together with shared ambition unlocking new opportunities for sustainable manufacturing and long-term jobs.
Charles Wood, Energy UK, called for greater momentum in the Net Zero transition, stressing the need to more clearly articulate the economic benefits: jobs, growth, and carbon reductions.
Jane Gaston, Net Zero North West, highlighted that the foundations and policy decisions are already in place. What’s needed now is delivery particularly focused on building economic resilience through an energy system fit for the future.
Jamie O’Hara, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, made the case for reforming the Treasury’s Green Book, arguing that it doesn’t fully account for the long-term benefits of major infrastructure projects like Mersey Tidal.
James Hickson, Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, pointed to the forthcoming Devolution White Paper as an opportunity for local authorities to take on a more strategic role in clean energy planning and delivery.
Nolan Gray, AtkinsRéalis, proposed incentivising SMEs in their transition to Net Zero by offering discounted business rates a practical lever to drive local climate action.
Eleanor Burr and Byron Evans, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), set out their commitment to delivering sustainable aviation fuel, but called on central government to provide stronger policy direction to support this shift.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this insightful session. The North West has the tools, the talent and the tenacity to lead the clean energy transition. Now is the time to harness that potential and power up clean growth for the decades ahead.
Want to get involved in the Greater Manchester or Liverpool City Region APPGs?
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