Yorkshire set for 49,000 green energy jobs boost

More than 45,000 green energy jobs are set to be created in Yorkshire over the next seven years with civic leaders claiming that the move to net zero emissions could drag the UK out of the coronavirus slump.

A new report published today shows that 49,000 direct jobs could be created across Yorkshire and the Humber in low-carbon and renewable energy sectors by 2027 as the nation moves towards a green economy.

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Cutting edge green energy technologies across the region could boost skills, create tens of thousands of jobs and transform the region’s fortunes in the face of economic uncertainty caused by the Covid crisis, the report by Vivid Economics says.

Commissioned by Drax Group, a founding member of the Zero Carbon Humber partnership, the new report evaluated the socio-economic potential large-scale deployment of cutting-edge green energy technologies would have on the region and the UK.Photo credit: Getty imagesCommissioned by Drax Group, a founding member of the Zero Carbon Humber partnership, the new report evaluated the socio-economic potential large-scale deployment of cutting-edge green energy technologies would have on the region and the UK.Photo credit: Getty images
Commissioned by Drax Group, a founding member of the Zero Carbon Humber partnership, the new report evaluated the socio-economic potential large-scale deployment of cutting-edge green energy technologies would have on the region and the UK.Photo credit: Getty images
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Commissioned by Drax Group, a founding member of the Zero Carbon Humber partnership, the report evaluated the socio-economic potential large-scale deployment of cutting-edge green energy technologies would have on the region and the UK.

Analysis says that scaling up bioenergy with carbon capture technology (BECCS), which Drax has already successfully proven at its power station in North Yorkshire, would support almost 17,000 jobs during construction in 2028.

Will Gardiner, the chief executive for the Drax Group, said: “The boost to the economy created by developing these new green energy technologies in the Yorkshire and Humber region would be huge – and we can do it quickly.

"The technologies are ready to go, so tens of thousands of jobs could be created as early as 2024.

Drax chief executive Will Gardiner.Drax chief executive Will Gardiner.
Drax chief executive Will Gardiner.
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"This would deliver a real shot in the arm to communities struggling as a result of the Covid crisis.”

Mr Gardiner said if given goverment backing the scheme could kickstart a whole new industry in the UK.

He added: “Enabling us to show the world what can be achieved for the environment and the economy when governments, businesses and communities work together.”

The report says using carbon capture technology across Drax’s four biomass units would accelerate the UK’s efforts to reach net zero by permanently removing 16 million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere each year - a significant proportion of the negative emissions the UK needs to meet its net zero targets.

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: "The Humber is already spearheading the UK’s sustainable energy revolution, and through further investment in these sectors we can hope to unlock yet more economic potential for the North." JPIMediaHenri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: "The Humber is already spearheading the UK’s sustainable energy revolution, and through further investment in these sectors we can hope to unlock yet more economic potential for the North." JPIMedia
Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: "The Humber is already spearheading the UK’s sustainable energy revolution, and through further investment in these sectors we can hope to unlock yet more economic potential for the North." JPIMedia
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With the right policies from government, the report adds BECCS could be operational at Drax as soon as 2027, accelerating the Humber’s efforts to become the UK’s first zero carbon industrial cluster.

It argues other industries across the region would tap into the same CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure, enabling further decarbonisation.

British Chamber of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall said: "Coronavirus has had a significant impact on our business communities.

"To help them restart, rebuild and renew, the government will need to set a clear framework and invest in greener, more sustainable technologies to not only meet our carbon goals, but help boost local growth and create the jobs of the future."

What a zero carbon cluster could look like in the Humber region. Photo credit: Drax GroupWhat a zero carbon cluster could look like in the Humber region. Photo credit: Drax Group
What a zero carbon cluster could look like in the Humber region. Photo credit: Drax Group
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The report adds as the UK’s most carbon intensive industrial region, the benefits of decarbonising the Humber would have the greatest impact on enabling the country to reach its legally binding net zero by 2050 target, whilst generating clean growth for the economy.

Deploying hydrogen production at scale for fuel-switching, as well as carbon capture to decarbonise gas power and other industries, alongside BECCS at Drax, could create and support as many as 49,000 jobs in the Humber region at its peak in 2027.

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: "This report shows what could be achieved across the Yorkshire and Humber region and wider Northern Powerhouse by developing BECCS at Drax and hydrogen in the Humber - cutting carbon emissions, protecting jobs in existing industries and creating many more new jobs throughout the region at a critical time.

"The Humber is already spearheading the UK’s sustainable energy revolution, and through further investment in these sectors we can hope to unlock yet more economic potential for the North."

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He added companies like Drax play a vital role in decarbonising the economy and closing the North - South divide to build back better.

In order to unlock the potential a zero carbon Humber could create for the UK’s green revolution, Drax is working with partners to ensure people in the region have the skills needed for the new jobs that could be created.

It is supporting career enhancing schemes which help to level the playing field, remove barriers to learning, boosting skills and retraining.

Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole, said: "With the development of a Zero Carbon Humber, within less than five years, this region could be at the forefront of the government’s green industrial revolution. Tens of thousands of jobs could be protected and created, supporting the North as it bounces forward from the Covid pandemic."

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Lia Nici, MP for Great Grimsby, added: "Ensuring local people have the skills needed to take full advantage of the opportunities created by these new energy technologies is critical.

"The government as well as businesses, training providers, schools, colleges and communities must come together to support this initiative, so we’re ready to make the proposals a reality."

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