Green Energy in the North-west

Mr Whitehead congratulated the Member for Birkenhead on securing the debate and highlighted the importance of renewable energy in the north-west. He mentioned the region's significant tidal resources, such as the second highest tidal range in the UK in the Mersey estuary, and noted that development of offshore wind has essentially stalled despite abundant potential. He also praised the HyNet project for its innovative approach to carbon capture and storage and hydrogen production.

Andrew Gwynne discussed the potential of a UK invention, the geo-engine, to reduce carbon emissions globally while creating thousands of skilled jobs in the north-west. He highlighted its ability to eliminate CO2 flaring, which accounts for around 300 million tonnes annually, and expressed hope that it would receive support from the Government.

Andy Carter emphasised the need for a positive return on local people in the north-west as part of the green industrial revolution. He highlighted HyNet's potential to create £17 billion of added economic value and up to 5,000 jobs by 2025, and mentioned smaller projects like Lymm Community Energy's solar farm which could supply electricity to 1,500 homes.

James Davies highlighted the importance of green energy infrastructure in providing employment and contributing to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He expressed concern over the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the need for rail infrastructure investment as part of a modal shift from road to rail. Davies also discussed the potential of offshore wind farms, nuclear power stations, and hydrogen conversion projects such as HyNet North West in the region. He requested that the Minister consider HyNet favourably when discussing cluster sequencing decisions before 25 October.

Mr Madders emphasised the importance of transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy in Ellesmere Port, highlighting the potential for capturing up to 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually through projects like HyNet North West. He stressed that companies such as CF Fertilisers must have affordable gas prices and emission costs over the next five years to ensure job security and economic prosperity.

The north-west faces significant challenges in transitioning to net zero, with a need for rapid roll-out of heat pumps to address climate targets. The Green Homes Grant was scrapped after six months, leaving the market for low-carbon heating stagnant. There is also uncertainty around the future of Ellesmere Port's Vauxhall plant due to lack of financial support from the Government.

The north-west of England, birthplace of the industrial revolution, is well positioned to lead on a new wave of innovation and tackle climate change through green job creation and infrastructure investment. The Liverpool city region declared a climate emergency in 2019, aiming for net zero carbon by 2040. Highly skilled jobs from projects like the Mersey tidal power could generate up to four times the energy of all wind turbines in Liverpool Bay and create up to 5,000 jobs.

Mr Farron highlighted issues related to green energy provision in Cumbria, including high connection costs for small businesses and farms, the need to integrate renewable energy into building regulations, the impact of ending feed-in tariff schemes on hydro-energy companies, and opportunities for tidal energy generation in Morecombe bay. He called for incentives for hydroelectricity and revising land compensation laws to offset costs associated with solar panel installation.