LEP reveals ambitious new energy plan for the Marches

July 8, 2019

More than 1,000 new low-carbon jobs will be created and emissions slashed under an ambitious new energy strategy being unveiled for the region.
The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership says its new 10-year energy plan will also see half of the region’s electricity produced by renewable sources by 2030, a national pilot scheme developed for overcoming disruption to the National Grid and fuel poverty cut to below ten per cent.
The LEP – which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – will officially launch the energy strategy at a major conference called Planning for a Climate Emergency: Delivering a net zero carbon economy in the West Midlands in Ludlow on July 25.
Key points in the blueprint include:

  • The creation of 1,000 new jobs in the low carbon and renewable energy sector across the region by 2030
  • Developing a pilot project to overcome National Grid constraints which will be used as a national demonstrator
  • Continuing to be a national leader in the deployment of anaerobic digestion
  • Carbon emissions, excluding agriculture, to be cut by 57 per cent from 1990 levels in line with UK targets
  • Reducing fuel poverty below 10 per cent
  • Renewable electricity to meet 50 per cent of local demand by 2030
  • To develop the region as a national centre of innovation in agriculture and low carbon transition

Graham Wynn, Marches LEP chairman, said the strategy formed a vital part of the LEP’s drive to create the best-possible environment for continued economic growth and prosperity across the region over the next decade.
“We can only continue to grow our economy and create the sort of high-skilled high-pay jobs we all want for the region if we get our energy provision right,” he said.
“The Marches is an area with ambitious growth plans – we want to create 58,700 new jobs and 54,400 new homes over the next 20 years – and energy is a vital component in making sure we can meet those targets.
“The current energy infrastructure is already at capacity in many areas and while this is a threat to plans it is also an opportunity for us to invest in innovative solutions which also meet some of the environmental challenges facing us all.
“This strategy sets a clear path to both growing our economy and responding to the threat of climate change for the generations to come.”
The strategy says that by 2030 The Marches area should have an energy generation and supply system which is flexible and reliable, delivering energy that is low carbon and low cost to businesses and communities.
The system should also be capable of accommodating planned growth and supporting well developed low carbon supply chains.
The LEP is being supported by the Midlands Energy Hub, which is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as part of the Clean Growth Strategy. The role of the Midlands Energy Hub is to support the capacity of Local Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities to identify and deliver local energy strategies and projects.
The Ludlow conference, being held at the town’s racecourse, brings together business, local government and community groups involved in creating the clean energy and low carbon economy transition in the West Midlands.
A series of workshops and presentations will run throughout the day, relating to local and neighbourhood planning, local governance and opportunities for business growth in the low carbon sector.
To book a ticket visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/planning-for-a-climate-emergency-delivering-a-net-zero-carbon-economy-in-the-west-midlands-tickets-63874857418

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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