Billions in investment and 35,000 jobs forecast as the region leads the UK’s green industrial revolution
Cumbria and its partners across the North West are set to play a leading role in the UK’s clean energy transition, as outlined in the newly released North West Clean Power Report.
The report highlights a transformational opportunity for the region’s seven million residents. It forecasts billions of pounds in investment and the creation of 35,000 new clean energy jobs by 2028, driven by national energy policy and regional coordination.
With its rich industrial heritage and ambitious plans for a net zero future, the North West is poised to become a global leader in clean energy innovation and industrial decarbonisation - attracting new businesses, unlocking investment, and boosting long-term economic growth.
The report also looks ahead to Great British Energy’s forthcoming Local Power Plan, which is expected to give local authorities and communities a more active role in owning and operating renewable energy schemes.
It recommends that local government should enable 1 GW of community-owned renewable energy capacity by 2030 - enough to power approximately 750,000 homes - delivering benefits such as energy resilience, community wealth building, and lower bills.
By working together, the North West can deliver economic security, clean growth, and improved public health outcomes for communities across the region.
Juergen Maier, Chair, Great British Energy said:
“The move to renewable power in the UK represents the biggest economic opportunity in a generation. This report highlights the scale and momentum already building in regions like the North West. Great British Energy fully supports this work and its role in helping create new jobs, boost British manufacturing, and deliver secure, cheap, renewable energy for millions of homes and businesses.”
Cumbria is central to the North West’s clean energy transition. Backed by the findings of the report, a series of major strategic projects are poised to accelerate decarbonisation, investment, and high-skilled job creation across the region:
- Pioneer Park - A planned clean energy development in West Cumbria, including new nuclear power generation. The project will help diversify and strengthen the local economy beyond its historical reliance on the Sellafield site.
- Barrow Green Hydrogen - In development to supply green hydrogen for paper manufacturing as a first step, this project will provide a low-carbon alternative for hard-to-decarbonise, energy-intensive industries, with potential to scale across the wider region.
- Workington Port Clean Energy Hub - Strategically located with marine, rail, and road access, the port is well placed to support future clean energy developments, including proposals for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
- Morecambe Net Zero - A cutting-edge carbon capture and storage (CCS) project that will repurpose existing gas field infrastructure to permanently store industrial CO₂, attracting global investment and creating high-skilled local jobs.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“Clean power is not just about reducing emissions – it is about creating opportunities. From regenerating our towns to unlocking major developments like Pioneer Park, clean energy can attract investment, grow our economy, and deliver high-quality jobs. This report provides a strong foundation to turn those ambitions into action.”
Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Cllr Jonathan Brook, added:
“The North West Clean Power Report is a crucial step toward delivering clean energy in harmony with our natural environment. In Westmorland and Furness, we’re committed to net zero initiatives that protect our landscapes, support local jobs, and bring lasting benefits to our communities.”
The report identifies significant opportunities for the private sector to drive the clean energy transition across power, hydrogen, CCUS, and grid infrastructure. The North West is positioned to become a national hub for green innovation, with benefits including lower energy costs, supply chain growth, and increased competitiveness.
Key investment opportunities include:
- £2.6 billion in onshore clean power projects
- £3.6 billion in power distribution networks
- £12 billion in offshore wind in the Irish Sea
- £2.5 billion in nuclear R&D
Jane Gaston, CEO, Net Zero North West, said:
“The North West Clean Power report showcases how industry and the private sector can lead the UK’s clean energy transition. With significant investment and job creation at stake, collaboration across the region is critical. We’re proud to be part of the momentum driving the North West forward.”
James Johnson, Head of Regional Programme, North West Net Zero Hub, added:
“This report is grounded in real-world examples from across our communities, local authorities, and industries. It shows how each area is pioneering its own approach to clean energy. By embedding net zero into local growth plans, we can go further and deliver more for people and places.”
David Beeby, Chair, Cumbria Economic Growth Board, said:
"The North West Clean Power Position Paper supports Cumbria’s clean energy ambitions and aligns with our Going for Growth Strategy. With major opportunities like the energy hubs at Workington, Moorside and Barrow, it helps put our region at the heart of the UK’s net zero transition - driving investment, innovation, jobs, energy security and long-term benefits for our communities."
Download the North West Clean Power Report at
https://localenergynw.org/nw-clean-power-paper/