Teesside is poised to become a central hub for renewable energy with the upcoming development of the Teesworks Gigapark, a project led by Natpower UK. This initiative, announced in June 2024, aims to build Europe’s largest battery storage facility on the Teesworks site, with over 60 gigawatt hours (GWh) by 2040.

Esh Construction is set to spearhead a significant £2.1 million retrofit scheme across the Tees Valley, funded by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero. This initiative, part of the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG 2), is a collaborative effort involving Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Councils. The scheme aims to enhance energy efficiency in approximately 120 homes during its first phase, with Esh Construction implementing upgrades such as improved ventilation, loft and cavity wall insulation, air source heat pumps, smart heating controls, and photovoltaic panels. Each property will receive tailored improvements following a thorough retrofit assessment to meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. 

British Steel has received approval from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for the construction of another Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at its Teesside site, a significant step in the company’s £1.25bn decarbonisation plan. Pending approval by North Lincolnshire Council, the manufacturer’s application to build an EAF at its Scunthorpe site is expected to follow suit. 

Storelectric, a frontrunner in energy storage solutions, has expanded its operations into Teesside, marking a significant move in the region’s journey towards net zero emissions. Located within the Wilton Centre, Storelectric aims to catalyse collaboration and innovation within Teesside’s industrial landscape.

The UK Government has earmarked £7 million towards the establishment of a hydrogen transport hub in the Tees Valley, a significant move aimed at reducing carbon emissions and modernizing the transport sector. Spearheaded by the Department for Transport (DfT), this initiative seeks to pioneer the nation’s first hydrogen refuelling station near Middlesborough, operated by Exolum. The funding will facilitate the creation of a publicly accessible refuelling facility catering to Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), providing green hydrogen as a sustainable alternative to diesel-powered vehicles. With an initial capacity to serve at least 25 HGVs daily, the hub aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell alternatives, thereby contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. 

We conducted a thorough site energy survey and provided personalized 1:1 consultations. Additionally, the team attended two webinars focusing on achieving Net Zero emissions and utilizing BringAbout software. Access to BringAbout carbon reporting software was granted, along with hands-on assistance to develop their initial Carbon Reduction Plan.

The UK government’s endorsement of a net zero power station in Teesside is a major step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy. The approval of a development consent order (DCO) for the Net Zero Teesside (NZT) Power project by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero emphasises the scheme’s critical national role and paves the way for significant advancements.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are comprehensive, internationally recognised, and third-party verified reports communicating a product’s or service’s environmental performance over its entire lifespan, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. This factsheet provided an overview of EPDs, their foundation in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the standards they adhere to, and their applications.

Teesside is a finalist to host a new £1.3 billion Small Modular Reactors (SMR) factory, potentially creating 4,000 jobs. Holtec Britain shortlisted Teesside among four potential sites to build up to four SMRs annually, aiding the UK’s net zero goals and nuclear capacity target of 24GW by 2050. The factory would generate 3,600 construction jobs and 400 operational roles if selected, contributing £100 million annually to the local economy.

As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of sustainability, the journey to achieving Net Zero emissions can seem daunting. Fortunately, Tees Valley Net Zero offers comprehensive support to help businesses develop and implement effective Net Zero strategies. 

In today’s brisk business climate, prioritising sustainability isn’t merely a choice—it’s a necessity. Stuart Keegan, Hagen Developments Ltd, provides a commendation for BringAbout’s Net Zero webinars and masterclass, detailing their significant impact on his company’s sustainability efforts.

Cutting carbon emissions isn’t just good for the environment – there are a raft of benefits for your business too. Here are five reasons why your business can’t afford to ignore the benefits of producing a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) Report on its Net Zero journey, plus how the Tees Valley Net Zero programme can guide you through the process.