Bold plans have been set out for the West Midlands to become a
national leader in smart energy - with the long-term aim of
cheaper energy bills for residents and businesses and creating
thousands of new green jobs.
The new Regional Energy
Strategy outlines the powers and funding needed to
introduce cutting-edge technology that will transform the way
energy is generated, stored and used.
It also looks at the adoption of smart, innovative solutions to
help residents and businesses become more energy resilient while
speeding up the transition to net zero.
Key ambitions include using storage to save excess energy during
times of low demand, developing efficient heat networks for
entire neighbourhoods, and more small-scale renewable energy
projects such as solar panels on roofs and battery storage hubs
in locations of high demand such as large industrial areas.
The region is already part of a national pilot with National Grid
that aims to streamline planning for energy, transport and
development. This will ensure new development is located where
the energy needs can be met or where new energy sources can be
introduced.
A major focus of the strategy is growing the region's workforce.
A training and upskilling programme will be created with industry
leaders to make sure local people have the practical skills and
technical knowledge they need to get jobs in the fast-growing
energy sector.
, Mayor of the West
Midlands., said: “This strategy marks the start of a new era of
cleaner, more resilient and cheaper energy supplies to help our
residents and businesses keep their lights on and their homes
warm.
“I want this to be a turning point from where our region's
innovative spirit starts to power a future of affordable energy,
cleaner air, and greener transport - all while creating
high-quality jobs for local people.
“And we're already leading the charge. I've committed £23 million
for a cutting-edge gigafactory to create thousands of jobs that
will pioneer smarter ways of generating and storing the energy we
need to power our homes, businesses and vehicles.”
The Regional Energy Strategy builds on the WMCA's
multi-million-pound investment to decarbonise homes, communities,
and businesses while positioning the region as a global hub for
battery manufacturing and digitalisation.
Backed by £23 million of funding from the WMCA's flagship
Investment Zone, the Coventry and Warwick Gigapark is being
developed to attract world-leading battery manufacturers and
energy storage businesses.
Additionally, up to £24 million is being invested in helping
thousands of businesses, from large manufacturing firms to small
coffee shops and hairdressers, reduce their energy usage and
carbon footprint.
Last month the Mayor also announced £167 million of new devolved
funding to launch one of the country's biggest and most ambitious
plans to bring thousands of decades-old council homes up to
modern energy efficient standards – cutting even more residents'
fuel usage and bills.
The flexibility afforded through these devolved funds will also
support the region's pioneering Net Zero Neighbourhoods
programme, which is improving the energy efficiency of homes on a
street-by-street basis, alongside other community-wide
improvements to the environment and greener transport
infrastructure.
Net Zero Neighbourhoods are being delivered in partnership with
local authorities across the region.
Read the West Midlands Regional Energy Strategy at https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-energy/energy-capital/
