Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has entered into a strategic agreement with SSE Energy Solutions to transform the region into a hub for green energy projects, aimed at advancing its net zero ambitions.
Under the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collaboration is set to usher in a wave of investments focused on decarbonising power, heat, and transportation throughout Greater Manchester. This initiative not only aims to foster a sustainable environment but also to cultivate a workforce adept in green skills, offering long-term career opportunities in the low carbon sector.
The partnership, spanning five years, will focus on bolstering research and innovation clusters. It is poised to create an interconnected ecosystem that propels forward green energy initiatives, such as solar arrays, low carbon district heating networks, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures.
SSE’s engagement with pivotal regional entities, including the Green Skills Academy and Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, highlights a comprehensive approach to supporting innovations in smart building technology, energy efficiency, and EV charging solutions.
With GMCA targeting net zero by 2038, and SSE ramping up its clean energy investments significantly, this partnership reflects a concerted effort to drive the UK towards its net zero transition with substantial daily investments in low-carbon infrastructure.
Neil Kirkby, Managing Director of Enterprise at SSE Energy Solutions, noted, “If we are to reach our net zero targets here in the UK, we are going to need a workforce skilled to fill the STEM jobs that will be needed to facilitate the transition to renewable energy. Secondly, we need to ensure we take the public on the journey with us.
“We believe strongly in a just and fair transition to net zero and decarbonising the country presents opportunities to support communities with regeneration, economic investment, and the creation of sustainable, long-term jobs.
“This agreement with the GMCA means we can work together to deliver innovative green energy projects, designed and built by local people who will directly benefit from them. This is exactly what the Social Value strategy we have here at SSE is all about.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, added, “The green transition presents a massive opportunity to reindustrialise places like Greater Manchester. We want our economy to prosper, and our target is to become a carbon neutral city-region by 2038 – growing our low carbon industries can help us to do both.
“To realise our ambitions, we need to build relationships with partners in industry. This agreement will see us work closely with SSE Energy Solutions to find mutual benefits in a wide range of areas, including clean energy projects, careers and skills development, and research and innovation.”