Clean Energy 2025 – A round up from our headline sponsor, Net Zero North East England

On Tuesday 4 November 2025, Newcastle took centre stage in the UK’s clean energy landscape as Clean Energy 2025 brought together sector leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community voices for a day of inspiration and action. 

Hosted by The Sustainability Community, and delivered in close collaboration with Net Zero North East England, this year’s conference showcased the region’s leadership in climate ambition and just transition – proving once again that the North East is not just part of the national conversation, but driving it.  

A Region Leading with Purpose 

The day opened with remarks from Mayor Kim McGuinness and Kate Hutchinson, founder of The Sustainability Community, who set a powerful tone of pride and determination. Their messages made one thing clear: the North East has the talent, the heritage, and the will to lead the UK’s clean energy transformation. 

In a thought-provoking fireside chat, Mayor McGuinness reflected on the importance of high-quality green jobs – roles that offer genuine career pathways rooted in local communities. Her reflections on the changing industrial landscape of the region underscored why a just transition matters: past transitions were not always fair, and this time, the region is committed to getting it right. 

This theme continued throughout the day. As Martin Lawlor, CEO of the Port of Blyth, noted, clean energy careers aren’t limited to offshore technicians – they span infrastructure, manufacturing, supply chains, and emerging technologies. These are good jobs, he emphasised, that also happen to be green. 

 Conversations That Moved the Needle 

Our programme was built to spark ideas and action. Highlights included: 

• A dynamic session on Green Capital, featuring insights from Phil Witcherley, Tony Hable, Sarah Knuth, Philip Steele, and Hugh Goulbourne. 

• A vibrant exhibition space, including the Net Zero North East England Partnership’s showcase, which drew huge interest from organisations wanting to get involved. 

• A standout offshore wind panel chaired by Rob Hamilton, with contributions from sector leaders including Martin Lawlor OBE, Tom Nightingale MCIM, Adanna Ugo-Okoye, and Tim Pick MBE. Hearing from emerging voices in the industry reinforced that the energy transition is not only technological – it’s generational. 

Lunch even became a talking point, with a low-carbon vegetarian menu demonstrating that sustainability and great food can go hand in hand. 

Honouring Our Heritage, Powering Our Future 

Energy has always been part of the North East’s identity. Where the region once powered the nation through coal and heavy industry, it is now shaping the UK’s clean energy future through offshore wind, hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, and innovative clean-tech solutions. 

It was fantastic to welcome organisations like Power Roll, showcasing home-grown innovation that is gaining global attention. 

What Comes Next? 

As the day came to a close, a clear message emerged:
Clean energy is about more than technology – it’s about people, skills, fairness, and collaboration. 

Clean air. Strong communities. Good jobs. Climate action that leaves no one behind. 

The North East is showing what a just, inclusive energy transition can look like. And this conference was only the beginning. 

Clean Energy UK 2026 will be happening in Newcastle on 19th November 2026. You can enquire to get involved now by emailing enquiries@thesustainabilitycommunity.com 

Get Involved 

If you attended – or if you’re interested in becoming part of the regional effort—you can connect with the Net Zero North East England Partnership at: info@netzeronortheastengland.co.uk 

The transition ahead is ambitious, but it’s also collaborative. And there is space for everyone to play their part.