8 April 2022 – The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Energy and Low Carbon Sector Group has welcomed the Government’s Energy Security Strategy but said that there are additional opportunities to increase the UK’s alternative energy production and reduce usage.
Highlighting the significant role Lancashire could play within the Government’s strategy, Miranda Barker, co-chair of the LEP’s business-led Energy and Low Carbon sector group, said: “We welcome the Government’s ambition to create a domestic low carbon energy industry and decrease the use of fossil fuels as we move towards a NetZero economy.
“Here in Lancashire, we have significant strengths in the large-scale renewables sector, nuclear, and other large energy supply industries which are complemented by a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and technology sector. There are 5,200 Lancashire businesses operating in energy and environment, and we have a number of energy innovation and accelerator initiatives, such as ReDCAT, Lancashire’s centre for alternative technologies, and the Low Carbon Demonstrator project at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (MARC) North West, making us well-placed to contribute to the objectives laid out in the strategy, and facilitate opportunities for job creation and economic growth.”
Within the Energy Security Strategy, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has committed to increasing the UK’s nuclear power capability, something which Energy and Low Carbon co-chair, Mick Gornall said is good news for Lancashire.
“The county has long been a leader in all aspects of the nuclear sector.” He commented. “Most notably, through the work at Springfields, which produces fuel to power the UK’s civil nuclear reactors and currently provides around 32% of the UK’s low carbon electricity. The Clean Energy Technology Park at the Springfields site is also leading the way in demonstrating and accelerating the commercialisation of a broad range of nuclear-related technologies.
“We want to see Lancashire’s expertise continue to play a key role within the future of the UK’s nuclear energy production, securing our industry and related jobs.”
But the sector group also believes that there are further steps that could be taken to increase the UK’s low carbon energy production. Miranda added: “Lancashire also has significant strengths in other renewables sectors, including wind, marine and battery technologies. It is here where we feel that there is additional opportunity to push forward with further clean energy sources. Committing to an increase in onshore wind farms, for example, would significantly contribute towards NetZero goals.
“Like most organisations, we also recognise that, to reach energy targets, there needs to be a focus on reducing energy consumption in addition to the increased production of greener energy. Through our Energy and Low Carbon sector group, the LEP is looking at how we can support Lancashire businesses in this way but would welcome further Government policy measures to encourage an energy responsible strategy for the UK going forward. Businesses urgently need help with reducing their energy usage. The rising cost of energy is threatening their survival. Government validation of green financing schemes would help businesses accelerate their adoption of alternative energy efficiency boosting technologies”
The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Energy and Low Carbon Sector Group is a group of business leaders and industry experts from across Lancashire’s energy and low carbon sector. To find out more and to read the group’s plan which sets out a vision for the county, please click here
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