28 January 2020

Plans set in place for clean growth in Humber region

Reducing industrial emissions, energy efficiency, decarbonisation in the food and agricultural sector are just some of the commitments within the plans to make the Humber region cleaner.

The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), alongside the private sector, pulled together the Humber Clean Growth White Paper in November 2019. It sets out a strategic vision for the Humber LEP region in which we deliver a clean, net zero carbon emissions economy by 2040. The paper recognises the strength of the Humber region to deliver growth whilst being able to tackle the largest global challenge of today.

The commitments within the document include:

  • The Humber LEP and industry body CATCH will lead the development of a roadmap for reducing industrial emissions, with an initial funding bid to be submitted to government next month.
  • A group of leading academic and business experts will be recruited to advise on the region’s plans, with a “Net Zero Commission” due to get underway early next year.
  • SMEs will be offered additional decarbonisation and energy efficiency support through the LEP’s Business Growth Hub, subject to final funding approval.
  • The LEP will work with industry, transport firms and other potential users to develop the demand for hydrogen fuel – with a view to also attracting clean production to the region, adding to the area’s existing chemicals cluster.
  • The Humber LEP will work with neighbouring LEPs in North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to support the area’s large food and agriculture sector to decarbonise.
  • The LEP will continue existing work with the offshore wind industry to develop the local supply chain, and with businesses seeking to develop carbon capture and storage in the region.

The Humber LEP is challenging the government to support the proposal which includes:

  • Working with the area to explore the financing models and business and community incentives required to support decarbonisation.
  • Supporting international marketing of the Humber’s proposition for clean growth in order to attract more new investment to the area.
  • Backing the University of Hull-led bid to the Strength in Places Fund as a first step towards increasing local energy innovation capacity.

If you would like to be involved with supporting this please contact the Economic Growth Team at North Lincolnshire council on 01724 297330 or via email: businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.