Step forward on green power in Tees Valley region as deal signed with major energy firm

A new landmark agreement has been signed with major energy firm SSE to cement efforts to generate green energy in our region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will see the Combined Authority and SSE join forces to bring forward and deliver energy projects.

Home to a rising green energy sector through projects like SeAH Wind's offshore monopile manufacturing facility, at South Bank, and the upcoming Net Zero Teesside project, the Tees Valley is on the road to creating the UK's first decarbonised heavy industry cluster by 2040.

The new deal with SSE will bolster efforts to secure funding to bring vital infrastructure across the region, and see the Combined Authority work more closely with the energy giant on designs, proposals and delivering schemes. 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We're home to the beating heart of our country's shift to green energy – and we can see by the huge projects coming to Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool how the wider industry is sitting up and taking notice.

“SSE are a firm with good pedigree and their knowledge, expertise and contacts when it comes to getting through the nitty gritty of legislation will be invaluable to make sure game-changing projects see spades in the ground as soon as possible.

“This all boils down to ensuring we maintain our lead at the forefront of new clean technologies and making sure we deliver energy schemes to create good, well-paid jobs for local people.”

The region's wider Net Zero Strategy has set out ambitions to deliver 10 top priorities in the coming years including delivering the UK's first operationally Net Zero Airport at Teesside by 2035 through Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and ensuring the arrival of large-scale carbon capture, utilisation and storage to create thousands of jobs.

Nehal Mehta, Head of Regions and Social Value at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “This partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority cements our commitment to the region and its net zero goals. To reach our decarbonisation targets here in the UK, collaboration between public and private sector is key. Through this partnership, we can work together to deliver innovative green energy projects that will directly benefit the people of the region.

At SSE Energy Solutions, we strive towards delivering a just and fair transition to net zero and we believe that decarbonising the country presents a real opportunity to support communities with economic investment and the creation of sustainable jobs. We're thrilled to be unlocking this for the Tees Valley region through the opening of our regional hub at Teesside Airport and our upcoming projects.”