A LANDMARK initiative that could cut energy costs by 20% for industrial users in the North West has been showcased at the world’s biggest property and investment festival.

It is thought the emerging scheme – dubbed the Energy Innovation District – will put Cheshire at the forefront of securing investment from energy-intensive industry and disruptive technology companies locating to the UK.

Cheshire’s play to become a hub for energy generation and consumption was the subject of an Energy Breakfast at MIPIM this morning, sponsored by Peel Environmental. The event at the Cannes-based conference brought Peel together with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), leading property agents GVA, and international law firm Addleshaw Goddard to discuss the future opportunities for the North West.

Peel is one of the leading forces of the Cheshire Energy Hub, a collective of energy-focused businesses behind the Energy Innovation District concept.

Myles Kitcher, Managing Director at Peel Environmental, said:

“The Energy Innovation District will break down the barriers between how indigenous energy is generated, distributed and consumed in the North West – a big part of that is attracting new businesses to the region. The target is to reduce energy costs by 20% for businesses in the district by investing in smarter distribution networks direct from the energy source.

“There’s no doubt, this will have significant impact on Cheshire’s ability to drive energy-intensive businesses to the North’s own golden triangle of Cheshire, Liverpool and Manchester. We’re making that a reality at our Protos development site, which sits at the heart of the district and is a real focal point.”