Midlands Investment Success Stories: Energy and net zero 

From repurposing power stations to harnessing the power of wind and leading the way on green hydrogen, the Midlands is at the forefront of energy transition and net zero opportunities. Already, a quarter of England’s energy and low carbon jobs are Midlands based, while Lincolnshire is host to the world’s biggest off-shore windfarm – providing 18% of England’s renewables capacity. Well-connected, with deep industry expertise, advanced manufacturing hubs, and a wealth of high-skilled talent, the Midlands is becoming a regional laboratory for green energy and decarbonisation innovation.  

Vaillant opens heat pump production in Derby

In February 2023, German heating technology giant Vaillant announced a new production facility at St. Modwen Park in Derby, creating 200 new jobs. With demand for heat pumps rising, the 12,000 sq m unit will play an important role in delivering low carbon heating solutions and facilitating a net zero future.
 

Launch of £1.7bn Viking Link interconnector

Earlier this year, the National Grid – in partnership with Denmark’s Energinet – formally launched the Viking Link, which takes the title of the world’s longest undersea and land power cable, stretching 475 miles between Lincolnshire and Denmark. The project, which was jointly funded and developed between the two operators, will allow Britain and Denmark to share their wind power, delivering greater efficiencies, strengthening energy security and helping both countries to achieve Net Zero.
 

DHL electrification at East Midlands Airport

German logistics giant DHL Express has invested £16m into electric ground services vehicles and infrastructure at East Midlands Airport – the UK’s largest pure air cargo hub – with the aim to make its operation fully electric by 2032. This initiative ties into the airport’s goal to become net zero by 2038, leading the way in green innovation within the aviation industry by taking steps to decarbonise.

Photo: East Midlands Airport
 

From coal to large-scale low carbon hydrogen

Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the UK’s last coal-fired power station, closed recently (at the end of September 2024), marking a major turning point in the UK’s energy transition. But this isn’t the end of the road for Ratcliffe-on-Soar: Uniper, the site’s owner, plans to transform the site into a major low carbon energy asset, scaling up to a total electrolysis hydrogen production capacity of 500 MW by the turn of the decade. This hydrogen could then help to decarbonise power, transport and industry across the region. 

“Ratcliffe is in a great location, with good transport links and excellent utilities infrastructure. It has the potential to support the UK’s hydrogen and decarbonisation ambitions, creating new high-skilled employment opportunities and ensuring the site continues to make a valuable contribution to the regional economy.” – Guy Phillips, Business Development Hydrogen, Uniper UK 

Green light for Zero Carbon Innovation Centre

At the end of last year, the East Midlands Freeport unveiled plans for a multi-million pound Zero Carbon Innovation Centre in the East Midlands, delivered and part-funded by the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University. The centre will be a hub for developing research in electrification, advanced manufacturing, and hydrogen propulsion systems, enabling academic experts to work closely with regional industry and make major inroads in the decarbonisation transition. 

“The goal is for the East Midlands to become a global model for a flourishing zero carbon economy.” – Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, University of Nottingham

Electric expansion for GE Vernova in Staffordshire

GE Vernova, the American energy equipment manufacturer, is expanding its Staffordshire operations, with 600 new jobs expected by the end of 2025. The aim is to meet increasing demand for High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems, which are powering renewable energy projects and supporting the energy transition both in the UK and across the world. For example, HVDC converter transformers produced in Stafford, which are essential for integrating renewable energy into the grid, were recently installed in the North Sea to harness energy generated from wind farms. 

Hitachi Energy opens UK Headquarters in Birmingham

Hitachi Energy, based in Switzerland and part of the Japanese Hitachi group, has chosen Birmingham for its national headquarters. With around 600 staff working across the UK on energy projects, the energy technology company, which provides sustainable products and solutions to clients across the industry, utility and infrastructure sectors, is choosing to expand – maintaining its previous Staffordshire office while strengthening their Midlands presence further. 

“We’re excited to tap into the exceptional talent pool fostered by the world-class universities in the area.” – Laura Fleming, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Hitachi Energy 

For more information on opportunities in the Midlands’ transport and future mobility sector, visit the Midlands Investment Portfolio, read our Modern and low carbon utilities, Offshore wind, and Nuclear Cluster Snapshots, or check out the R&D Investment Prospectus.