The UK government has allocated £960 million to green energy manufacturing, including hydrogen, as part of a £4.5 billion investment in strategic manufacturing sectors. This funding, which focuses on sectors crucial for economic growth, energy security, and regional development, is aimed at reinforcing the UK’s leading position in these industries.
The investment includes over £2 billion for the automotive industry and £975 million for aerospace, to support the manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles and energy-efficient aircraft equipment. Additionally, the Green Industries Growth Accelerator investment will boost clean energy supply chains, including hydrogen, across the UK. This initiative is geared towards seizing growth opportunities through the net-zero transition and reinforcing the UK’s leading role in decarbonisation.
This funding is a part of the government’s larger strategy to stimulate economic growth and make long-term decisions that will not only support successful sectors today but also future-proof the UK’s manufacturing expertise. It’s designed to attract private investment, enhance energy security, and create jobs, continuing the government’s commitment to mobilizing significant public and private investment in low-carbon energy.
With the upcoming Global Investment Summit, the UK aims to showcase significant investment opportunities in various sectors, including sustainability and advanced manufacturing. This approach aligns with the UK’s objective of remaining a global leader in the transition to net-zero emissions and capitalizing on new green economy growth opportunities.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch have both emphasized the importance of this funding in sustaining the UK’s manufacturing prowess and adapting to changes such as the shift to zero-emission vehicles.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho remarked on the nearly £1 billion commitment to green industries, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts in pioneering advanced manufacturing and contributing to the net-zero transition.
In addition to this funding, the government is responding to recommendations to drive innovation in advanced manufacturing, including accelerating the deployment of digital twins. The government is also expanding the Made Smarter Adoption programme to assist small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in adopting advanced digital technologies.
The Connected and Automated Mobility Research and Development programme will also receive extended funding to promote the deployment of self-driving vehicles. Moreover, the government plans to publish the UK’s first Battery Strategy and launch a Hydrogen industry taskforce, further bolstering the manufacturing sector’s role in the UK’s net-zero transition.
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