Mayor to help shape clean energy growth

A North East political leader is set to play a key role in shaping the UK’s clean energy future as part of a new Government advisory council.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has been appointed to the Clean Energy Sector Council, which will help inform the Government’s Industrial Strategy, due to be published in spring 2025. 

The Clean Energy Sector Council, co-chaired by Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, will bring together industry leaders, trade unions and local representatives to identify opportunities and tackle challenges in the sector. 

Its strategy aims to outline approaches to creating growth in clean energy, including skills development and workforce planning.

Mayor Houchen said: “I am delighted to be supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy by sharing Teesside’s success story and using our experience to inform the national agenda.

“It is fantastic that the work being done at Teesworks to attract investment, create jobs, and grow the economy, is being recognised by Government and it is positive that this model will now inform he national strategy. 

“We all want to see the Government succeed in its growth mission and our region has demonstrated how clean energy investment can deliver transformative economic growth, create good-quality jobs, all while driving forward our net-zero ambitions.” 

Under Mayor Houchen’s leadership, Teesside has emerged as a hub for clean energy, with major projects such as SeAH Wind’s offshore wind manufacturing facility and the Net Zero Teesside carbon capture project positioning the region as the ‘Silicon Valley of Net Zero’.

Mayor Houchen added: “The Teesworks site has become recognised internationally as a centre for the industries of the future, and is attracting billions of pounds of international investment, creating thousands of local jobs. 

“Its contribution to the UKs growth agenda is rightly being recognised and by working together at a national level, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of this industrial revolution, and I’m proud that Teesside’s achievements are being recognised as a model for success.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →