IT’S good to know that Barrow and Furness is making a substantial contribution towards Labour’s pledge of transforming Britain into a clean energy superpower.
Three major green energy projects are moving up through the gears – bringing hundreds of jobs and investment in their wake.
This past week a new green hydrogen facility in Barrow took a major step forward with two important announcements; the confirmation of government funding through its flagship green energy programme and a supply agreement with Kimberly-Clark who will use the hydrogen produced to de-carbonise its operation off Park Road.
I’ve been glad to support energy development company Carlton Power and their partners in this work. Our unique geography and time-honoured manufacturing ability means we are becoming a senior player in the green energy transition which everyone wants to see.
Combined with new nuclear at Sellafield – and a carbon storage facility making use of the depleted gas fields in Morecambe Bay – we are benefiting from this government’s investment in future green energy industries
The Barrow hydrogen scheme is expected to employ around 200 workers during its construction phase and create around 10 full-time posts once its in operation.
It’s more great news for our area.
Hundreds of other jobs are poised to be created locally thanks to a massive project to use the depleted gas fields off our coastline to store C02 from the cement industry in Derbyshire.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the National Wealth Fund have confirmed a £28.6m investment in the scheme which – when matched with private investment – will secure a sustainable future for the UK’s cement and lime industry.
It’s another example of our government investing in future technologies and infrastructure that will deliver long-term growth and prosperity for our communities.
And finally, the news that brings us a step closer to a new nuclear power generation in West Cumbria.
The prime minister has committed to releasing land at Moorside for new nuclear power generation.
Unlocking land at Moorside has long been the biggest barrier to securing new nuclear power generation in west Cumbria, with the Conservatives previously blocked a £6bn private nuclear development there in 2023.
I have been working alongside other Cumbrian MPs to secure the release of this land because of the benefit that would be felt right across the area from investment in new nuclear power.
I will continue to work with the Cumberland Nuclear Futures Board to make sure Pioneer Park is a success and delivers real and lasting benefits.
Apart from the jobs that will be created, it’s Labour’s ultimate plan to make sure that families and businesses will have lower bills for good from a zero-carbon electricity system.
That’s a goal we can all applaud and support.
