Profile: Mark Atherton, Director of Environment at GMCA, Leads Sustainable Transformation in the North West

Mark Atherton, a driving force behind sustainable change, holds the esteemed position of Director of Environment at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). With a career spanning over two decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the North West's environmental and energy landscape. Armed with a wealth of experience and a resolute commitment, Mark is at the forefront of propelling the region towards a greener future.

Experience and Expertise

Mark's journey in the realm of environment and energy has deep roots in the North West. With 20 years of experience from a public sector standpoint, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the dynamics at play. His role as the Director of Energy and Environment at GMCA has enabled him to cultivate expertise in diverse areas. From supporting the growth of low carbon technology to advocating for businesses to embrace decarbonisation, Mark's holistic approach encompasses planning, policy formulation, research, and the strategic execution of initiatives aimed at decarbonising the region.

Vision for the North West Cluster

"The North West's unique challenges demand solutions that are equally distinctive." - Mark Atherton

At the heart of Mark's vision lies the North West cluster's audacious goal - to lead the nation in decarbonisation. Leveraging the region's abundant natural resources, the North West aims to outpace the rest of the UK in transitioning to a low carbon future. The region's industrial and commercial heritage provides a solid foundation for innovation and infrastructure in the decarbonisation space. Mark's strategy revolves around not only supporting the economic growth of businesses by facilitating their transition to low carbon technologies and energy sources but also fostering innovation that propels this transformation forward.

Driving Change: Exciting Developments

"Each step we take brings us closer to the future we envision." - Mark Atherton

Mark's leadership shines through groundbreaking initiatives transforming North West's energy landscape. Notably, Greater Manchester aims for carbon neutrality by 2038. Mark's team crafts detailed Local Area Energy Plans outlining investments and mechanisms for a low carbon shift. These plans address long-term energy supply and demand, influencing necessary strategies, policies and programmes. They indicate that an investment of £64 billion will be required to reach Greater Manchester’s long term carbon goals; excluding business as usual, an investment of circa £19.2bn will be required. Mechanisms to fund this level of transition are now being devised, which will stimulate supply chains and enabling economic growth.

Pioneering Innovation: Navigating Energy Challenges

Mark acknowledges that challenges often accompany opportunities. He highlights the need for the North West to rethink its energy supply, given the grid's limitations in supporting the required output. In this context, hydrogen emerges as a key component, particularly in the industrial heat and heavy transport sectors. A notable example is this is the Carlton Power site at Carrington, poised to become the UK's largest green hydrogen facility. Mark's insight underscores that while this marks a significant step, it is just one facet of a comprehensive solution.

Unlocking Opportunities in the North West

"Our region's potential is a canvas awaiting transformation." - Mark Atherton

Mark envisions a broader horizon of growth opportunities in the North West. From offshore and onshore wind to solar PV and projects such as Mersey Tidal, the region's renewable energy potential is vast. His strategy involves capitalising on these opportunities for energy generation with broader energy efficiency measures, to create comfortable homes and reduce risks to business and residents from energy price shocks. Complementing this growth is a burgeoning commercial landscape centred around low carbon hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies.

Government Support for Sustainable Transformation

Mark's influence extends beyond regional initiatives. He emphasizes the need for national government support to work with local areas. With Greater Manchester pushing for greater devolution of powers and funding, Mark is at the forefront of efforts to create autonomy in delivering net zero. He underscores the necessity for the government to establish a strategic direction for the country's net zero goals, which will support local delivery. Surety over national-level policies, he asserts, hold the key to ensuring investor confidence and long-term sustainability.

A Resilient Commitment to Net Zero

Mark's wealth of experience leads him to a poignant observation: political changes notwithstanding, the commitment to net zero remains unwavering. While nuances in speed may arise due to varying priorities, the consensus on climate change continues to drive action.

Milestones and Challenges

In reflecting on the Greater Manchester journey so far, Mark highlights a pivotal milestone - the development of plans which promote low or no-regret near term solutions. He stresses the importance of actions aligned with immediate imperatives and the establishment of a robust delivery framework. He acknowledges that building business confidence and certainty hinges on the government's commitment to set and adhere to national policies. Mark's focus extends beyond mere transformation; he champions the creation of green jobs, fostering economic opportunity and long-term employment.

Embracing Holistic Change

"Our journey encompasses all sectors, ensuring no one is left behind." - Mark Atherton

Mark's approach to net zero is all-encompassing. He advocates for equal focus on domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors to ensure a holistic transition. By weaving together these elements, Mark ensures that the North West's journey towards sustainability leaves no stone unturned.

Mark Atherton’s role is one of leadership, expertise, and commitment. As the Director of Environment at GMCA, he drives the North West towards a brighter, greener future.