top of page
Search
Writer's pictureEastern Powerhouse

The East can power Britain’s clean energy future

In the second of our series on Labour's mission-driven approach, we discuss the government's plans to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero-carbon electricity by 2030.

 

The second of Labour’s missions addresses a complex policy trilemma. Firstly, to tackle the global climate crisis by reducing carbon emissions to net-zero. Secondly, to provide energy security for the nation by making Britain less dependent on imported fossil fuel. Thirdly, to improve the cost-of-living with the provision of more affordable energy. The transition to clean energy also represents a huge opportunity to generate economic growth and create over half a million jobs across the UK. 

 

The government has already made quick work. In less than 100 days, it has overturned the nine-year onshore wind ban in 72 hours, consented more solar than ever before, secured the most successful renewable auction round in history, and launched Great British Energy. Following on from this the new Industrial Strategy, which was published this week, focusses on sectors which offer the highest growth opportunity for the economy. This includes Clean Energy Industries. Meanwhile, the first International Investment Summit has announced significant investments in fast-growth sectors such as green hydrogen infrastructure, electric vehicle battery manufacturing, carbon capture and storage, and decarbonisation solutions for heavy industry.

 

Labour's approach is to use the role of the state to shape markets and use public investment to crowd in private funding. At the heart of this is the Green Prosperity Plan and the partnership with private business to invest through the National Wealth Fund.

As we argued in our Manifesto for the East the transition to clean energy isn’t just a desirable objective; it is essential. The East of England is uniquely positioned to spearhead this transformation. With robust energy infrastructure, abundant renewable resources, and a commitment to sustainable economic growth, our diverse energy mix—including offshore wind, solar, nuclear, and tidal resources—forms a resilient foundation that strengthens the UK’s grid and aligns perfectly with Labour’s climate and energy goals.

 

Our paper on the Green Economy in the East highlighted the strengths of the sector and called for a number of initiatives that could catalyse this transition to a sustainable future. This includes a comprehensive regional strategy that promotes private investment and positions the East of England as a model for low-carbon economies. By attracting capital and scaling renewable energy projects the region can support the national mission. 

 

A notable feature of our approach is the proposed Energy Investment Zone, designed to incentivize economic activity and innovation in clean technologies. The East is one of the few regions in England without an Investment Zone. This could build on any one of a number of ‘green hubs’ in the region (e.g. the OrbisEnergy Centre / Enterprise Zone in Lowestoft) or operate in a ‘hub and spoke’ connecting numerous sites across the region. This place-based approach to sectoral growth and investment aligns with Labour’s focus on economic viability and the commitment to targeted tax reliefs for specific sectors, as highlighted in the Industrial Strategy.

 

A critical component of the government’s overall growth strategy is planning. Labour aims to reduce the bureaucratic obstacles that delay renewable energy projects. As we outlined in our submission to the NPPF consultation, streamlined planning processes, particularly around the construction of offshore wind farms and solar parks are essential. By fostering an environment where public-private partnerships thrive, Labour can quickly scale up clean energy infrastructure and drive regional progress.

 

A clean energy superpower demands a skilled workforce. Many of the UK's major energy infrastructure projects (e.g. Sizewell C and the East Anglia Array of offshore wind farms) sit in the East the region but these have struggled to fully capitalize on a pipeline of green jobs – connecting rural and coastal communities with the opportunities in the jobs of the Future. Institutions like ARU Peterborough, established in what was previously an education ‘cold spot’ to provide higher level skills for local industries, can help to buck this trend. Education partnerships between universities and colleges can nurture talent in renewable technologies.

 

Our work with education providers in the region aims to cultivate a workforce ready to meet the demands of business and achieve a “just transition” guaranteeing that no community is left behind. The East needs to focus more on education and workforce development, addressing social equity and providing local workers with the skills needed to thrive in a low-carbon economy. Our forthcoming skills event will focus on the challenges in the green economy.

 

Achieving the government’s target by 2030 will require resources and continuous innovation. Our region is already fostering a collaborative ecosystem that unites universities, research institutions, and energy firms to pioneer advancements in renewable energy. The proposal for a research and development centre at the ARU campus in Peterborough to develop hydrogen technologies is central to the UK's drive to be a green energy superpower. By focusing on research and development, the East not only supports the UK’s decarbonization goals but also positions itself as a leader in green technology on a global scale.

 

Innovation hubs in the East of England are essential for the scalability of renewable energy, offering a testing ground for technologies that can later be adopted nationwide. This spirit of innovation aligns with the government’s vision for an economy where the UK leads in green technology, transforming the region into a centre of clean energy expertise that drives progress across the nation.

 

For any clean energy strategy to succeed, it must involve local communities. The Eastern Powerhouse is committed to a model that emphasizes community engagement and local energy solutions, allowing residents to participate directly in the clean energy transition. By decentralizing energy production and supporting community-led projects, we ensure that the benefits of renewable initiatives are widely shared – this is so critical in the rural villages located right across the Eastern region. Labour’s approach to decentralizing energy production complements our devolution vision, empowering communities to generate and manage their energy needs, which not only enhances resilience but also promotes inclusivity, making clean energy a tangible reality for local residents.

 

The East of England is ready to lead the UK’s shift to a zero-carbon future. With a well-defined strategy focused on renewable infrastructure, workforce development, and community engagement, the East is well aligned with the government’s 2030 mission. Collaboration between government and regional partners is crucial. By leveraging local strengths and crafting robust policy support, the East is creating a pathway for the UK to emerge as a global clean energy leader. The Eastern Powerhouse is dedicated to promoting the East as a centre of innovation and growth. The region is set to end Britain’s over reliance on fossil fuels, protect our environment, and build a future where clean energy is the standard. Together, we’re powering a cleaner Britain by 2030.

bottom of page