North west industrial decarbonisation plan hailed as pivotal for UK’s net-zero journey

A powerful collaboration of industry leaders has set out a roadmap to decarbonisation for the UK’s first net zero cluster.
The North West Cluster Plan published today by Net Zero North West sets out the action needed to supercharge the region’s green industrial revolution and deliver the UK’s first zero carbon cluster by 2040.

Unveiled by Andy Carter MP at an event at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Cluster Plan demonstrates a £30 billion (€34 billion) pipeline of live investable projects with the opportunity for £207 billion (€236 billion) to be invested in the region overall.

The north west is the first region to reveal its Cluster Plan, providing a blueprint for the rest of the UK. It follows the publication of Chris Skidmore MP’s net-zero review ‘Mission Zero’, which showcased the huge global opportunity in decarbonisation and the need for the UK to move quickly.

Andy Carter, MP for Warrington South, said:  “I had the pleasure of launching Net Zero North West’s manifesto in 2021, which showed how the region can spearhead the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050, and the publication of today’s Cluster Plan shows how we’re doing just that. The North West is harnessing its strengths in advanced manufacturing, energy intensive industry and regional collaboration to become the UK’s first net zero region by 2040 and seize the economic opportunity of our generation.

“The Mission Zero review has been crystal clear that business needs more policy and funding support if it is to fulfil its crucial role in delivering a green industrial revolution. I will be encouraging the government to give the Net Zero North West Cluster Plan the attention it deserves and prioritise backing our region’s industry to accelerate this blueprint for clean growth.”

Carl Ennis, Chairman, Net Zero North West and CEO, Siemens GB&I said: “The Mission Zero review published last week is clear – that we need action and a robust plan to reach net zero in the UK. That’s exactly what we’ve delivered in the North West. A credible, deliverable and investable routemap to decarbonisation. The Cluster Plan brought industry together behind a shared purpose and clear vision, establishing a strong framework for delivery.

“This is a pivotal moment for the North West and UK’s journey to net zero. We are in a unique position to become world leaders in clean growth and we have the vision and passion to make it happen.”