£10 billion boost and 175,000 jobs as South West gears up for Clean Energy Revolution

With major clean energy projects in the pipeline, rich natural capital, and an extensive research innovation ecosystem, business leaders and politicians say the South West can have a transformative role in achieving the UK’s clean energy and energy security goals, delivering up to 11% of the UK’s clean energy needs by 2035, unlocking £10 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and creating 175,000 jobs.

The Energy Prospectus was launched by the Great South West Pan-Regional Partnership at an event at Westminster on Monday 11 November, coinciding with the start of COP29 in Azerbaijan, attended by senior industry leaders and politicians including Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee. The Prospectus highlights major areas of clean energy opportunities in the South West, from floating offshore wind and nuclear, to battery production, geothermal energy and critical minerals.

Significant projects in the region include Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and Agratas, a new gigafactory in Somerset, set to support the country’s transition to greener transport, create thousands of high-value jobs, build a resilient supply chain, and meet nearly half of the nation’s projected battery demand by 2030.

Dorset is positioning itself as a prime destination for investment in clean energy. The opportunities are several, including:

• a new deep-water offshore wind hub - the Channel Gateway – to facilitate the manufacture and installation of GWs of offshore wind turbines for the UK and Europe, and service the operational requirements of offshore renewable sectors, including floating offshore wind and floating solar; and
• the potential to host complementary nationally significant clean energy infrastructure projects, such as nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage, clean hydrogen; grid improvements, and data.

Harnessing its unique geography, geology and the deep-water port at Portland, Dorset seeks to mobilise clean energy solutions to align with the ambitions set out in Invest 2035 and accelerate delivery of Net Zero by 2047. Underpinning to realising these opportunities will be continued engagement with key stakeholders such as local authorities, businesses, and communities to maximise outcomes over the long term.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: “This Prospectus showcases our capacity to deliver on national goals, supporting net zero ambitions while creating high-value jobs and unlocking billions in economic growth. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to harness our natural strengths for a sustainable, secure future, while supporting the Government’s clean energy mission and the vision set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper.”

Dame Judith Petts DBE, Chair of the Great South West Energy Programme Board and Emeritus Professor at the University of Plymouth, said: “The Great South West has the natural resources, expertise, innovation ecosystem and proven ability to deploy low-carbon technologies. This Prospectus underscores our potential to drive significant economic and environmental benefits for the country, creating a resilient energy system that supports the economy and strengthens communities. By mobilising our assets and working in partnership, we can make the UK a global leader in renewable energy.”

The Energy Prospectus emphasises the importance of collaboration with Government to improve the region’s infrastructure, support local supply chains, increase research and innovation activities, and develop the workforce needed for the South West to be at the heart of the UK’s transition into a clean energy superpower. 

Industry leaders are backing the call for Government support to deliver the region’s clean energy opportunities.