A NEW DISTRICT to boost productivity and foster innovation in the energy sector has been launched. The Energy Innovation District – the first of its kind in the UK – sees generators, energy-intensive manufacturers, innovators and academics combine forces to create a joined-up solution to the UK’s energy challenge.

Established by the industry-led Cheshire Energy Hub, the District spans the industrial heartland from Ellesmere Port toward Runcorn, where over 5% of the UK’s energy is consumed. The overarching aim is to provide secure, low-carbon and low-cost indigenous energy from the North West, unlocking over 33,000 jobs and £7billion in capital investment.

Ged Barlow, Chair of the Cheshire Energy Hub and Managing Director at C-Tech Innovation, said:

“The Energy Innovation District is a British first – a place where energy generators are working hand-in-hand with business to attract investment, boost productivity and increase the competitiveness of our industries.

 “It will be unique in that it will embrace and develop new technologies across a range of generation methods and actively explore how this can directly benefit industry.

 “Energy usage is at the bedrock of successful enterprise and manufacturing. We’re encouraged by the Government’s support for integration as part of the Industrial Strategy and the District responds directly to this need for a more coordinated approach.”

The District clusters existing and new assets in the area and will become home to advances in energy technology, including heat networks, low-carbon transport, electricity networks, the hydrogen economy and energy storage.

The Energy Innovation District website has now been launched, please visit www.energyinnovationdistrict.com