.png)
.jpg)
From carbon capture and storage, to retrofitting and hydrogen, organisations and initiatives across the North West of England share the same innovative approach when it comes to achieving net zero and positive climate action.
Looking at the various projects being spearheaded across the region one thing stands out - collaboration. Businesses and organisations joining together to share their expertise and work together to forge a greener future.
Net Zero and the North West
Net Zero North West have identified a £30bn pipeline of investable net zero projects across the region, as part of their North West Cluster Plan. Providing a credible roadmap that will help with decarbonisation, whilst creating thousands of new green jobs. We highlight just some of the projects that are helping to put the North West on the map when it comes to sustainable development.
Revolutionising heavy industry with HyNet North West
A feat of infrastructure, HyNet will become a collective response through an innovative hydrogen distribution network. Working with heavy industry operators across the North West and North Wales, to allow them to reduce their environmental impact by replacing fossil fuel gas with hydrogen, whilst developing carbon capture and storage capabilities to support decarbonisation efforts.
The carbon capture scheme will have the capability to capture up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Central to this network will be Stanlow Manufacturing Complex – a state-of-the-art low carbon hydrogen plant, alongside a 125 kilometre new pipeline to transport carbon dioxide and store it deep beneath the seabed at Liverpool Bay.
Giving Fiddler’s Ferry power station a new lease of life
For residents in Warrington and Halton, Fiddler’s Ferry power station still towers over the local skyline, despite the coal-powered station being switched off in 2020. Now planning permission has been approved to develop a battery storage facility on adjacent land, which industry experts say will help to regulate power. The battery facility has been designed to store excess electricity when demand is low, through a battery energy storage system (BESS). The electricity network will then be able to draw on the 150 MW battery storage system, when they need to re-distribute the power back into the network. Construction is expected to commence in 2024.
Harnessing tidal power from the River Mersey
A future project, hoping to get the green light is an initiative to convert the power of the iconic River Mersey into a renewable energy source. With the capability of powering 200,000 local homes, that’s the equivalent of the energy needed to power 500 football stadiums – a sport which the region holds just as much passion for as they do their marine heritage.
Following a study undertaken by the Mersey Tidal Commission, energy can be produced using the power of the river and turbine technology – that can effectively generate power on both the ebb and flow of the tide. Projections indicate that it can produce 2 TWh of power each year, with the potential to provide 30% of the regional demand for power.
Welcoming investment in the region
For NRL’s Wigan Divisional Manager Debbie Power, the focus on net zero across the North West of England is welcome news.
"A great deal of innovation in the energy sector has been driven by the North West, so it’s fantastic to see the same healthy appetite to champion net zero and the technology that will help deliver the energy transition. Regional projects provide a great opportunity for local people to diversify their careers into the energy sector and learn new skills.
We’re passionate about helping candidates to understand how they can evolve their careers - identifying transferable skills that will help them to secure roles in new emerging energy production operations. The progress and future project landscape across the North West means it’s an exciting time to be working in the energy sector."
Progressing Cumbria’s next generation of nuclear talent
Across Cumbria, the nuclear sector has become as synonymous as the Lake District when it comes to enriching the region. Providing employment for generations, the focus has now turned to how businesses can attract the next generation into the industry, as energy transition innovations such as small modular reactors continue at pace.
NRL’s Egremont branch Director Rebecca Graves recently discussed the approaches Cumbrian businesses can take to attract top talent, in an article for in-Cumbria business magazine.
Did you know?
Low carbon energy solutions can be cleverly combined with architecture to create striking landmarks. That’s exactly what Vital Energi have accomplished in Manchester City Centre, where passersby might understandably mistake their new heating network for an art installation. That’s because the Tower of Light and Wall of Energy have been designed to stand proud amongst the buildings within the civic quarter. With a striking external design and changeable lighting decorating the sky at night, the structure is in fact part of an elaborate heating and electricity network designed to power more than 7 nearby buildings with a reduced carbon footprint.
Achieving an iconic structure, that allows people to see through into the energy centre it encases, whilst proudly displaying a low carbon solution that changes how people see power generation.
Looking to make a net zero career move?
You can search for your next net zero and renewable energy role by clicking the link below.
Get the latest Net Zero News
You can instantly receive updates like this by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter.