DEI responds to Prime Minister's 10 point plan for Green Industrial Revolution

Durham Energy Institute welcomes the Green Industrial Revolution 10-point plan with its emphasis on 'Levelling-up' and creating green jobs in the North which was announced on Tuesday evening.

Together with the four Faculties comprising Durham University, we are developing a long-term green job strategy including future programmes and changes to current courses, which will support this plan.

DEI are leading on a wide range of Regional and National initiatives on offshore wind, hydrogen, deployment of CCS, large-scale decarbonisation of heating, delivery of new energy materials and meeting society’s demand for affordable, secure and sustainable energy provision. We offer our support to the new Zero Carbon Taskforces.

Key points from the DEI response include:

• Government commitment to hydrogen will stimulate the additional financial and commercial investment required to make crucial energy system resilience and security of supply a reality.
• We recognise that reaching offshore wind targets will require massive investment needed in developing port infrastructure and installation vessels and techniques.
• We are delighted at the introduction of an enhanced standard for new buildings and note that this will also require an enhanced energy and transport infrastructure.
• We also welcome the emphasis on levelling-up, creating high quality jobs and opportunities for disadvantaged areas in the North of England to support UK-wide sustainability. 

Professor Jon Gluyas, Executive Director of DEI said “Given it’s long association with energy and key role in the first Industrial revolution this Region is exceptionally well placed to benefit from the Green Industrial Revolution in terms of workforce, world-class universities, existing expertise, resources and innovative drive to enable a smooth transition into green jobs. Durham Energy Institute is working with regional and national partners from industry, government and academia on many initiatives which support this vision and the UK’s path to net zero”.

Dr. Andrew Wright, Durham University Professor in Practice and former Director at Ofgem said: “It is essential the 10 point plan puts society and justice considerations at the forefront”

Download the full response here.