Making S Wales and Western England the UK’s green energy powerhouse

National leaders from business, universities and government will gather next month at the ICC in Newport (20th January 2022) to discuss how they can work together to level up communities and reach net zero at the Western Gateway’s powerhouse partnership’s first conference.

Green growth in the Western Gateway – A powerhouse conference is being sponsored by Deloitte and will cover plans to create the UK’s first green energy super cluster as part of the national drive to reach net zero emissions. Participants will also discuss how the partnership can ensure that it reaches communities at risk of being left behind to create a fairer and greener society.

The Western Gateway powerhouse is the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and Western England and sits alongside the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine in driving investment outside of London.

Stretching from Swansea to Swindon, including the cities of Newport, Cardiff and Bristol, the partnership works to champion success, tackle shared problems and attract new opportunities for the 4.4 million people who live within its boundaries.

Katherine Bennett CBE, Chair of the Western Gateway powerhouse partnership, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce the agenda for our partnership’s first conference. Our communities are highly skilled, innovative and ready to power the UK’s ambitions to reach Net Zero and build back after the pandemic.
“This conference will give businesses and academia a chance to share ideas and kick start work to ensure we build on our strengths and realise our potential as the UK’s first green energy super cluster whilst levelling up local communities. If you think you could help to guide this discussion, why not register and take part.”

Cllr Toby Savage, South Gloucestershire Council leader and Vice Chair of the Western Gateway partnership, said: “Our combined area has great strengths across many high tech and renewable sectors. We want to put these to use to help level up communities across the union and help decarbonise the UK economy.
“I welcome our colleagues in business and academia to join this discussion with top industry experts to guide how we can best work together to deliver for our communities.”

Cllr Jane Mudd, Newport City Council leader and Vice Chair of the Western Gateway partnership, said: “Our Western Gateway partnership has been busy gathering evidence on the economic strengths of our area and how we can best put these to use. Now we’re ready to set forward our plan for how we act on those strengths to achieve results for the people who live there.
“It’s great to be able to welcome people back to Newport where we hosted the original launch of this powerhouse. I welcome our colleagues in business and academia on both sides of the Severn to take part and help steer this conversation as we look to create vital new opportunities and better connect our communities.”

Dave Tansley, UK Vice Chair at Deloitte, said: “Race to Net-Zero is a global issue that needs open collaboration across every level of government and business to make a difference to the communities we serve. Change can be achieved much quicker through utilising the skills and innovation available and working closely with the specialists we already have in the region. Deloitte is thrilled to be supporting the inaugural Western Gateway conference to connect the key players in this space and help drive the discussion to shape future goals and a strategy for the benefit of all.”

The agenda is here. Already due to speak at the event are leaders from Innovate UK, the British Business Bank, Airbus, Bristol Airport and developments such as the Blue Eden project in Swansea and the Golden Valley in Cheltenham.