Unexpected green energy hotspots have been identified in Yorkshire and Cheshire as the drive to net zero supports 225,000 jobs in the North and adds more than £20bn to the economy, according to a new report.
Report Highlights Green Economy Growth
The annual report on the green economy from CBI Economics reveals that the North East has the highest proportion of firms in England involved in the net zero economy. Meanwhile, the Humber region contributes the highest percentage of its GDP from the green sector anywhere in England.
However, the report also identifies West and North Yorkshire, along with the area around Cheshire, Warrington, and North Wales, as unexpected hotspots. Both regions boast green sectors worth over £1bn. Yorkshire is noted for a range of energy projects, while Cheshire benefits from hydrogen initiatives near Ellesmere Port and Middlewich.
Renewable Jobs Offer Higher Pay
The report, commissioned by the independent Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, states that renewable jobs are better paid than others, with an average salary of £43,142. However, it warns that a breakdown in political consensus on net zero—with parties like Reform and the Conservatives signaling intentions to reverse or slow current green technology investments—risks jeopardizing the sector's growth.
Louise Hellem, CBI chief economist, said: "This report makes clear the sustained scale of the opportunity in the UK’s net zero economy. It shows that clean power and decarbonisation are no longer future ambitions; they are already a significant and growing part of the UK’s industrial base. At a time when the UK must strengthen energy security and drive growth, the net zero economy is becoming central to the country’s competitiveness."
Peter Chalkley, director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, added: "Reaching net zero emissions is scientifically the only way to bring the climate back into balance and stop climate change but it’s now become a major part of the UK economy. Thousands of small businesses across the UK are the unsung heroes of this net zero economy, installing solar panels, manufacturing parts for electric cars and in doing so creating greater energy independence for the UK, shielding us from the oil and gas price crises of recent times."
The report has been endorsed by Darren Davidson, the Newcastle-born UK vice president for Siemens Energy. He said: "We welcome the findings of this report because they underline something those of us in the industry can already see clearly: the energy transition is not only essential for the UK’s future, it’s already creating skilled jobs, driving investment and revitalising communities right across the country. In my view, there has never been a more exciting time to work in the energy sector. We are transforming how Britain powers homes, businesses and industry, and that means creating long-term opportunities for people with the skills, ambition and commitment to build a cleaner, more secure energy system."
