Monday 10 August 2020

Funding proposal submitted to develop plan to decarbonise Humber region by 2040

A joint proposal for funding has been submitted to develop a comprehensive plan for decarbonisation in the Humber region.

The Humber Cluster Plan (HCP) involves eight private sector partner organisations - British Steel, Centrica, Drax, Equinor, National Grid Ventures, Phillips 66, SSE Thermal and VPI Immingham - and has been submitted to Innovate UK as part of its £350 million green recovery package.

It aims to show how the Humber cluster can achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, potentially making it the first in the world to do so.

The £2.6 million project (including £1.7 million sought from the government) could move the Humber closer to achieving large-scale decarbonisation - currently, the region emits more carbon dioxide than any other industrial cluster and is highly vulnerable to climate change through flood risk.

An initial feasibility study found the region is likely to need to switch to cleaner fuels such as hydrogen, as well as adopt carbon capture technology, to achieve the scale of decarbonisation required.

The industrial businesses plan to prioritise near-term deliverable investments that will see quick results, significantly reducing the Humber’s emissions by 2030, before identifying the full range of interventions required to achieve net zero by 2040.

David Talbot, CEO of CATCH, said “The HCP will provide a blueprint for clean growth to drive a green recovery in the Humber, which is vital at this time. Our industries and ports are relying on a clear path to decarbonisation to continue their essential services, remain competitive and provide employment for local people.

“We know this plan can help the Humber to secure the long-term sustainability of our industries and attract more new green jobs and investment, while ensuring the survival of these long-standing industries, which are of importance not just to the Humber but the UK as a whole.”