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Teesside’s explosive growth in recent years has been incredible to witness as someone who is not only present in the region, but also fortunate to be working closely with so many of the leading companies responsible for driving the world-class energy projects taking shape in the North East.
I’m proud that our people have had opportunities to witness the latest cutting-edge technologies entering the region firsthand, which have positioned the area as a beacon of environmental stewardship and innovation. Teesside's dedication to operating sustainably is commendable, and it showcases the power of forward-thinking initiatives in driving positive change for both the local community and the broader energy landscape.
From Teesworks to Teesport, my colleagues and I are no strangers to celebrating the amazing work all around us as Teesside undergoes a period of significant transformation, cementing itself as the place to be for companies operating in the energy sector – but there’s plenty more to say as the region continues its decarbonisation efforts.
Teesside Freeport
Teesside's status as a hub for sustainable development is exemplified by the Teesside Freeport. The Freeport offers companies access to global markets, major trade hubs and offshore markets, and with one of the largest integrated industrial economies in the UK, the Tees Valley benefits from a highly skilled local workforce.
Having brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders under its banner, the Teesside Freeport has created a collaborative ecosystem intent on progressing innovation and growth in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, and logistics. It’s already seen £200m+ of investment and is poised to create over 18,000 local jobs.
It's a blueprint for sustainable development in the region, with its focus on sustainability evident through its support for environmentally friendly practices, supply chain efficiencies, and renewable energy initiatives.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel projects
In addition to the Teesside Freeport, the region is at the forefront of a number of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects that look to revolutionise the aerospace industry. Companies such as Alfanar Projects and Lanzajet have already recognised Teesside's proactive approach towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly solutions for the aviation sector, selecting the region as the site for their new facilities.
Alfanar Projects’ commenced its expansion into Teesside in 2018 with its Lighthouse Green Fuels project, developing a refinery to convert non-recyclable waste materials into a reliable and scalable source of SAF that meets the stringent quality and sustainability standards required by the aviation industry.
Meanwhile, announced earlier this year, Lanzajet shared its collaborative effort with Sembcorp Utilities to develop Project Speedbird, an ethanol-to-SAF facility based at Wilton International. The company is investing further in research and technology to pave the way for a more sustainable future for air travel, and cited Teesside’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure as some of the reasons it was selected for this project, as well as praising the area as a “leader in alternative energy initiatives”.
North Sea Decarbonisation Conference
Tomorrow’s EIC North Sea Decarbonisation Conference serves as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to converge and exchange insights on driving sustainability initiatives within the energy sector. Our regional capability in Teesside positions us as an ideal strategic partner for organisations looking to align their workforce strategies with similar goals, which is why we’re excited to explore how we can support organisations in navigating the evolving energy landscape.
It’s clear that Teesside’s reputation continues to grow and further cement its pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation efforts. We’re proud to be playing a part in that, and as more businesses continue to choose Teesside as the ideal destination to establish their green energy projects, we’re excited to continue providing the expertise and resources required to help them thrive.
If your business has its eyes set on the North East, and you’re interested in discovering the ways we could support you across your project’s lifecycle, we’d love to have a conversation – connect with me on LinkedIn, or if you’re attending the EIC’s conference, stop by for a chat at our stand.