Midlands Engine unveils landmark white paper to drive £20bn green energy transformation in the Midlands

The Midlands Engine Partnership has today [17 December] launched the Midlands Energy Security White Paper, a bold vision and roadmap for delivering secure, low-carbon energy and unlocking economic growth across the region. Home to a quarter of the UK’s fossil fuel generation capacity, a high concentration of energy-intensive industries and with England’s highest regional rate of fuel poverty, the Midlands epitomises both the challenges and opportunities of the clean energy transition.

Drawing on the region’s energy innovation ecosystem, manufacturing expertise and cutting-edge research, the White Paper highlights how the Midlands is leading the UK’s journey to energy resilience. With £20bn of investment potential and the opportunity to create nearly 200,000 green jobs by 2041, the Midlands is central to achieving the Government’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.

Lord Ravensdale launching the White Paper at the Midlands Engine’s Economic Briefing, which took place at Confetti X in Nottingham.

A unified region powering UK energy ambitions

The White Paper underscores the critical role of the Midlands in delivering the clean energy transition, decarbonising its industrial clusters, and leveraging its energy and advanced manufacturing expertise and research excellence to meet national net zero objectives. It sets out the opportunities for investment, job creation and innovation, building on the Midlands’ position as home to 21% of the UK’s electricity generation capacity.

Key highlights include:

• Innovative projects driving resilience: Projects such as Nottinghamshire’s STEP fusion programme,  Coventry’s Greenpower Park and Humber 2030 Vision showcase the Midlands’ role in pioneering clean energy technologies, from fusion energy to battery innovation, carbon capture and hydrogen power.
• Integrated energy system planning: The region is driving forward place-based,  ‘whole-system’ energy planning, developing Local Area Energy Plans and initiatives such as Project PRIDE [see note to editors]. These efforts ensure energy supply and demand are better integrated, supporting businesses and communities.
• A green jobs revolution: By 2041, the Midlands could achieve nearly 200,000 new green jobs, including in low carbon hydrogen, clean energy and smart energy systems clusters.

 The White Paper emphasises how the Midlands is integrating local and national priorities, from industrial decarbonisation to community-led solutions. Projects across the region are demonstrating the diverse mix of solutions required including new financing mechanisms, including a Midlands Green Bond, and industry-led skills initiatives.

Members of the Energy Security Taskforce, Dr Angela Needle and Maria Machancoses of Midlands Connect

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine:
“The Midlands has the ability, ambition and assets to drive the UK’s clean energy future. This White Paper showcases how our region can lead in creating secure, sustainable power while delivering economic growth and high-quality jobs. Together, we can honour the Midlands’ legacy of innovation and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”

Lord Ravensdale, Chair of the Midlands Energy Security Taskforce:
“Through collaboration, the Midlands will drive the UK’s clean energy transformation. This White Paper is a bold step towards building a sustainable energy system that benefits businesses, communities, and future generations.”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands:
“The East Midlands is leading the way in the clean energy revolution, from STEP Fusion in West Burton to cutting-edge hydrogen and battery technology. This White Paper sets out a bold vision to harness our region’s innovation and industrial strength, creating well-paid green jobs and sustainable growth.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands:
“The Midlands is leading in smart energy solutions and decarbonising our industries. With projects like Project PRIDE, we are demonstrating the power of collaboration to deliver the infrastructure needed to meet our net zero ambitions while creating high-value jobs and powering economic growth.”

Read the full white paper and executive summary here

Learn more about the Taskforce and the partners that have contributed to the White Paper here