Why the North East is the UK’s Next Clean Energy Investment Powerhouse

The North of England is swiftly emerging as one of the UK’s premier arenas for clean energy investment. Anchored by its world-class research, robust infrastructure, and bold local leadership—especially around Newcastle—the region is perfectly poised for rapid growth in renewables, low-carbon innovation, and green skills development. 

A booming green energy ecosystem 

From offshore wind and subsea engineering to advanced energy systems, the North East boasts globally significant infrastructure and research capabilities. The region is home to leading centres of excellence in offshore renewables, energy systems integration, and subsea technologies—positioning it at the forefront of the net-zero transformation. 

Investing in skills for the future 

One standout example is Newcastle College’s Energy Academy in Wallsend, which has secured a substantial £8.48 million investment, backed by Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority. Once completed, this expansion will triple student intake—equipping thousands of young people with the engineering and renewable skills this green energy boom demands. 

Major infrastructure and industrial momentum 

On the industrial front, Siemens Energy’s Newcastle facility has received a £2 million boost, creating 65 new jobs to produce critical substation components—a tangible example of how investment is translating into both local manufacturing growth and energy transition support. 

At a broader scale, the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP)—a carbon capture and storage project backed by Equinor, BP, and TotalEnergies—has secured final investment approval. It is set to store up to 4 million tonnes of CO₂ per year and launch the Net Zero Teesside Power project, a 742 MW gas-fired plant with carbon capture. These developments promise around 2,000 direct jobs in the North East and roughly £4 billion in supply chain opportunities. 

Why now—and why the North leads 

The region’s combination of strategic location, industrial roots, and innovation networks has unlocked a dynamic energy investment ecosystem. Its collaboration with initiatives like Net Zero North East England, combined power zones such as the £160 million North East Investment Zone, and devolution-driven growth are all setting the stage for accelerated development. 

Calling all investors, innovators, and policymakers 

If you are passionate about unleashing the full potential of the North as a clean energy powerhouse, the Clean Energy UK Conference 2025 is your must-attend event this autumn. Hosted in Newcastle on Tuesday 4th November, at the Crowne Plaza in the Stephenson Quarter, this one-day summit will bring together over 400 industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators. 

One of the conference’s key sessions is on the Scale UP stage, where our panel “Green Capital, Real Returns: What Are Investors Backing in the UK Energy Sector?” will explore exactly how regional clean energy investments are being catalysed through innovative funding models, public-private partnerships, and place-based growth strategies. It is where the North’s ambition meets actionable insight. 

Join us there. Let’s ignite investment, drive inclusive growth, and prove that the North of England is not just part of the energy transition—it is leading it. 

Secure your tickets today!