Following the publication of Powering Up Britain today, the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership reacts to the positive steps the government has taken today to support the UK’s energy security and net-zero future, including progress on a range of individual projects across the Cumbria.

Craig Hatch, Chair of Cumbria LEP’s Clean Energy Panel, comments:

“The LEP welcomes the publication of Powering Up Britain, which recognises the importance of cheaper, cleaner, domestic sources of energy, going forward. Cumbria already produces 5.6% of the UK’s renewable energy so we are extremely well placed to take forward the priorities within Powering up Britain”.

“We have been supporting Carlton Power on its green hydrogen project in Barrow-in-Furness so are very pleased to see this shortlisted for the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. This major project will be a catalyst for new investment and further support the growth of a hydrogen economy right here in Cumbria – diversifying our clean energy sources and underpinning our security of supply.

 “We welcome the commitment to Carbon Storage where we see Morecambe Bay as a potential significant natural carbon storage asset for the UK. We look forward to supporting Spirit Energy with an application against Track 2 of the CCUS scheme, which will provide skilled jobs into the future as the Barrow Gas Terminal transitions away from natural gas operations.

“Nuclear generation is a vital component of future electricity generation with Great British Nuclear now poised to deliver a national co-ordinated programme, which is to be welcomed, as is Government’s support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Cumbria is ideally placed to take forward SMRs, given our heritage and expertise, from both a siting and manufacturing perspective. We look forward to playing our part in making Powering Up Britain a reality.”