The British Chambers of Commerce, in collaboration with business leaders from across the South West, has issued a powerful response to the Government’s ‘Build it in Britain’ initiative. This response highlights the transformative potential of the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC), a £28 billion investment opportunity that could help position the UK as a global leader in clean energy innovation. With over £20 billion already ready to deploy from private investors, the cluster is set to create thousands of jobs over the next three to ten years, driving economic growth and innovation in the region.
Unlocking the Potential of the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster
The DCESC represents a groundbreaking public-private sector coalition, bringing together key stakeholders to deliver clean energy projects that align with the UK’s net-zero ambitions. The initiative builds on the momentum of the UK Future of Energy Summit and the recently published Industrial Strategy, which outlined a shared vision to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
However, realising this vision requires urgent action to address systemic barriers and regulatory misalignments that are currently blocking private sector investment. The British Chambers of Commerce have called for a more progressive operational framework to provide investors with the certainty and stability needed to move forward with confidence.
Key Actions to Drive Progress
To unlock the full potential of the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster, the British Chambers of Commerce have outlined several critical actions:
- Fast-Track Offshore Wind Leasing: Expedite a Round 6 offshore wind leasing round in the English Channel to deliver a deep fixed solution capable of generating 2GW of power by 2035.
- Port Development at Portland: Develop the Channel Gateway at Portland to support the UK supply chain for offshore wind, potentially through a public-private partnership.
- Carbon Pricing: Establish a price for carbon to enable a merchant model of carbon trading, attracting capital investment.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Secure a CCS license for a gigatonne of carbon storage in Lyme Bay to advance decarbonisation efforts.
- Hydrogen Storage Support: Implement a hydrogen storage support scheme to enable modular hydrogen storage of up to 30 TWh/year, ensuring security of supply in southern England.
- Nuclear Opportunities at Winfrith: Collaborate with Great British Energy and GB Nuclear to explore the potential for Winfrith as part of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) pipeline.
A Transformative Opportunity for the South West
The Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster is more than just an energy initiative; it is a transformative opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and establish the South West as a hub for clean energy innovation. By aligning energy security with national security, the cluster aims to deliver clean power by 2030 and contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals by 2047.
Senior business leaders in the region have emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the defence industry, to ensure the successful delivery of these projects. The development of Portland’s Channel Gateway as a wind hub port, for example, would not only support offshore wind projects but also strengthen the UK’s supply chain and industrial capabilities.
A Call for Collective Action
The British Chambers of Commerce have made it clear: the time to act is now. With the right framework and collaboration, the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster can unlock billions in investment, create thousands of high-value jobs, and position Britain as a clean energy superpower.
This initiative represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the South West into a leader in sustainable energy solutions, driving innovation and delivering long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the UK economy. By working together, government, institutions, and private investors can turn this vision into reality, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for Britain.