Net Zero North West (NZNW) is excited to announce the strategic appointment of three new members: Spirit Energy, Essar Energy Transition and United Utilities.

This expansion comes at a crucial time as the industry-led cluster recently hosted key government leaders at the House of Lords to discuss its transformative manifesto aimed at positioning the North West as a global leader in decarbonisation.

The event featured prominent attendees, including Sarah Jones, Minister of State at the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), and Rachel Armstrong, Director of Industrial Decarbonisation & Emissions Trading at DESNZ. Their participation underscores the significance of NZNW's mission and the collaborative efforts to advance the region's decarbonisation agenda.

Central to the discussions was a groundbreaking manifesto that outlines ambitious plans for the North West, projecting over £200 billion in investments for decarbonisation projects and the creation of more than 600,000 jobs.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, said: “The North West will act as a beacon for other projects around the country, delivering cheaper, more secure, and cleaner energy. We need to see more green industrial clusters taking root right across the country, following the region’s lead. Our Industrial Strategy will unleash the full potential of our cities and regions by attracting investment and creating the best environment for businesses in them to thrive.”

With a comprehensive strategy that includes a £30 billion pipeline of initiatives focused on enhancing energy efficiency, advancing nuclear energy generation, and improving rail infrastructure, the North West is poised to become the world’s first net zero cluster. This initiative not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also seeks to foster economic growth and job creation, with projections indicating that over 34,000 jobs will be directly linked to these projects.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the government’s commitment to carbon capture and storage, particularly in the Merseyside area. This initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs and attract significant private investment, all while helping the UK meet its climate goals. The Prime Minister's announcement coincided with plans for the construction of the world’s largest tidal barrier in the River Mersey, a project that promises to provide clean, predictable energy for hundreds of thousands of homes for the next 120 years.

Net Zero North West represents a unique collaboration of industry leaders, politicians, and academic experts dedicated to unlocking the region's potential in industrial decarbonisation. The coalition aims to serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating how strategic investment and collaboration can lead to sustainable economic growth.

The addition of Spirit Energy, Essar Energy Transition and United Utilities underscores NZNW’s commitment to fostering a diverse coalition that can drive innovation and implement effective decarbonisation strategies.

Jane Gaston, CEO at Net Zero North West, said: “NZNW is positioned with industry leaders at the helm, ensuring it is guided by those who are deeply embedded in the sectors it aims to transform.

“Each new member brings a wealth of expertise, practical insight and strategic connections that will enhance our ability to create a sustainable future for the North West, one that prioritises environmental responsibility while also delivering economic benefits to our communities.”

“As we move forward, we will continue to engage with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to ensure that our initiatives are aligned with national climate objectives and local economic needs.”

For more information on Net Zero North West and its transformative vision for a decarbonised industrial cluster, visit https://www.netzeronw.co.uk.