'North can become an energy superpower once again - here's why'
The North of England could be on the cusp of being able to retake its position as an energy superpower, according to a string of experts at the Great Northern Conference.
A group of notable figures in the region’s energy sector have hailed the North of England’s potential to once again become a hub for energy production, citing the opportunity for the region to draw on its rich history in the sector.
Tom Bousfield, executive director growth, business & skills with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, was one of a number of experts at the recent event.
Speaking on a panel at the conference, he said: “If you take the historian’s approach, economic development takes place in the very long term, where you have either geographical advantages or very cheap energy.
“So the North’s position as an energy powerhouse existed primarily because of its proximity to cheap coal that was in the ground and was relatively close to the surface, alongside access to ports such as Liverpool and Hull.
“If you look forward to 100, 200 years, I think the same will be true again. The North does have a natural advantage in that it has two coastlines which are relatively shallow, bringing significant opportunities around offshore and therefore onshore wind. There’s also the carbon capture opportunities that sit beside that.”
The opportunity in the region’s energy sector was also hailed by Katie Privett, RESP regional manager – North East and Yorkshire, at the National Energy System Operator.
She said: “I think another really important point to reflect on is the people here. We have people who have gone through generations of taking pride in industrial leadership and being able to really drive innovation and be proud to represent those industries.
“We can continue that pride in net zero industries in this region. We’ve got the resources, we’ve got the political will, and hopefully we will have the political power as well.”
Femi Omoniyi, regional project manager at West Yorkshire, North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub, added that work needed to be done to translate national policy to work at a local level.
He said: “It’s about translating national frameworks into a local plan, so that we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet.
“That’s quite challenging, and I think we’re at the forefront in West Yorkshire, in that we’ve got a 2038 target, which is way sooner than the national target.
“We need to be more proactive with regards to how we develop these plans. I think the key thing is that we ensure engagement exists in regards to listening to what the Government is saying and trying to see how that affects our local area and the plans.”