The West of England Industrial Cluster (WEIC) has successfully launched its transformative Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP), aiming to significantly reduce industrial emissions and support the UK’s sustainable growth ambitions. The launch event, held in Lawrence Weston, brought together local political and industry leaders to unveil and celebrate the plan.

The LIDP presents a comprehensive strategy to mitigate up to 7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. In addition to its environmental benefits, implementation of the plan is projected to contribute £3.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy by 2040 and create over 15,000 new jobs.

Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority highlighted the importance of the plan, stating:

“This is an important report for the West of England. Our Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan shows us the way to creating more well-paid jobs, while reducing our impact on the planet. It makes a credible case for further investment in our region to decarbonise some of our most energy- intensive industries while continuing to grow our economy.” .

Over the past year, WEIC partners conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement to inform the plan. This included a comprehensive emissions data gathering exercise, emission reduction forecasting, and networking events that connected over 300 stakeholders. These events have already sparked more than 200 potential resource matches among 30 businesses and organisations.

Kate Royston, Director at SevernNet, explains:

“The business community has been instrumental in developing this plan and will continue to play an important role in its implementation. We have already established a strong network of expertise and hope to expand this even further going forward to ensure that all sectors and communities have a voice in making local industry more sustainable and our local businesses to thrive in a low carbon circular economy.”

The plan focusses on the industrial Portbury, Avonmouth, and Severnside (PAS) region , which is home to the Port of Bristol, Seabank Power Station and over 800 businesses, from multinationals to SMEs, across diverse sectors including manufacturing, waste management, logistics and distribution. PAS encompasses three local authorities and is a key international transport hub, integrating port, road, rail, and airport connections, making it an ideal strategic focal point. The PAS region expands via spokes, to neighbouring and more remote industrial sites that are central to the plan, taking advantage of the region’s historic role as a global trade gateway and leveraging existing infrastructure.

The plan includes actionable opportunities to effect decarbonisation across PAS and the surrounding areas, across a range of approaches including:

• Carbon capture, storage and use
• Clean power and alternative fuels
• Energy efficiency and the Circular Economy

It builds on existing strengths and partnerships in our region across technology, skills and research and innovation.

The full Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan will be available to read soon on the WEIC website.