As the Mayor of the East Midlands, I am honoured to be part of a critical turning point in our region’s history. The decommissioning of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station marks the end of an era for the East Midlands, but it’s not a time for nostalgia—it’s the beginning of an exciting future for our region. As we move away from coal and toward cleaner, greener energy sources, we are not just closing a chapter, we are writing a new one, where our communities will lead the way in green technology, renewable energy, and climate action.
The East Midlands has always been an industrial heartland. Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were once synonymous with coal mining—fuelling our nation’s power and prosperity. Today, we take that same spirit of industry and innovation and turn it toward a new goal: becoming a green energy superpower. Through bold action and a commitment to Net Zero, the East Midlands will help lead the fight against the global climate crisis.
At the East Midlands Combined County Authority, we’ve made a clear commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning our local ambitions with the UK’s national target. Our approach goes beyond reducing emissions; it’s about creating a region that is cleaner, more sustainable, and prosperous for all who live and work here. We will create new jobs, protect and enhance our green spaces, and ensure that our homes and infrastructure are future-proofed for a changing climate.
Through devolved funding we will support our net zero goals by building new low-carbon homes, retrofitting existing properties to improve energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and expand the capacity of our electricity network. Together, these initiatives will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also deliver high-quality, energy-efficient housing and improve the lives of our residents.
The decommissioning of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in South Nottinghamshire is a pivotal moment in our journey to Net Zero. But, as I’ve said before, this is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. The site will be repurposed as a hub for green energy, a symbol of the East Midlands’ leadership in tackling climate change.
Beyond Ratcliffe, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are already playing leading roles in other clean energy projects. The West Burton power station, for example, is set to be transformed into the home of the UK’s first STEP fusion energy plant. This pioneering project will explore the potential of fusion energy, which promises to deliver abundant, low-carbon power, placing our region at the forefront of cutting-edge green technologies. Meanwhile, the decommissioned coal-fired power stations at Cottam and High Marnham are also being repurposed for renewable energy and industrial development. These transformations underscore the East Midlands’ ability to adapt and thrive, embracing the future while honouring its past. From hydrogen to fusion, our region is proving that it can be a key player in the national—and global—transition to clean energy.
These developments will create thousands of high-quality jobs in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and green energy. Apprenticeship opportunities will be abundant, ensuring that our young people do not need to leave the region to find work in cutting-edge industries. This is vital, not just for our economy but for our communities. Just as coal once provided a livelihood for generations of workers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, the transition to hydrogen and renewable energy will fuel the next generation of skilled workers, keeping talent and ambition within the East Midlands.
Our region has the expertise, the industrial base, and the commitment to become a powerhouse for renewable energy and green technology. As the Mayor, I will continue to champion this transformation, working with partners across government, industry, and education to ensure we remain at the forefront of this movement.
Looking ahead, the road to Net Zero will not be easy, but it is a path worth taking. Through devolution, we have the tools, funding, and local leadership needed to shape our own destiny. The transformation of Ratcliffe-on-Soar is just the beginning of a wider strategy to put the East Midlands at the heart of the UK’s green revolution. It’s a future that will create jobs, enhance our environment, and secure a sustainable, prosperous future for everyone in our region.
As we say farewell to coal, we welcome the dawn of a new green era. The East Midlands’ best days are not behind us—they are ahead, and together, we will power them.
Published on: 1 October 2024
Categories: News