‘The Humber’s green growth potential is unmatched in the UK’

The success of the Humber at creating green jobs and its potential to lead a clean energy revolution have been discussed by a Parliamentary committee.

Richard Kendall, Director of Business and Strategy at the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), appeared as part of the Environmental Audit Committee’s virtual inquiry into green jobs.

The committee had asked to hear from the Humber about how the region’s success could be replicated elsewhere, and what more could be done by the Government to boost clean growth here and in other places.

The committee of MPs is looking at how green jobs can help tackle the rise in unemployment due to Covid-19 in a sustainable way. It will also look at the jobs, skills and training needed to achieve the UK’s longer-term climate and environmental ambitions and what planning and work is taking place to meet these requirements.

Speaking to the committee, Mr Kendall discussed how the region became central to the offshore wind sector, and the potential that lies ahead through decarbonising one of the UK’s most significant industrial clusters.

He also discussed how the region was well placed to make success happen through its existing assets and the strength of partnership between public and private sectors, citing the Greenport partnership in Hull, the LEP’s work with CATCH on industrial decarbonisation and the Humber Freeport, which was confirmed in this week’s Budget announcement, as examples of the Humber’s excellent track record.

Mr Kendall also discussed what the Humber would need to continue its progress and realise the next wave of opportunities in offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage – emphasising the need for continuing commitment from the Government, as well as devolved resources to support local skills and supply chain development.

He said: “This was a great opportunity to showcase some of what partners around the Humber have achieved over the last 10 years and the huge amount of potential that lies ahead in offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.

“The scale of the opportunity here is unmatched in the UK, so nowhere is better placed than the Humber to lead the green recovery.

“The Chancellor’s Budget announcement on the Humber Freeport was a major boost for the Humber’s plans, and we hope for further positive news on other projects in the weeks and months ahead.”