West Midlands to supercharge UK’s smart energy revolution

Bold plans have been set out for the West Midlands to become a national leader in smart energy - with the long-term aim of cheaper energy bills for residents and businesses and creating thousands of new green jobs.

The new Regional Energy Strategy outlines the powers and funding needed to introduce cutting-edge technology that will transform the way energy is generated, stored and used.

It also looks at the adoption of smart, innovative solutions to help residents and businesses become more energy resilient while speeding up the transition to net zero.

Key ambitions include using storage to save excess energy during times of low demand, developing efficient heat networks for entire neighbourhoods, and more small-scale renewable energy projects such as solar panels on roofs and battery storage hubs in locations of high demand such as large industrial areas.

The region is already part of a national pilot with National Grid that aims to streamline planning for energy, transport and development. This will ensure new development is located where the energy needs can be met or where new energy sources can be introduced.

A major focus of the strategy is growing the region’s workforce. A training and upskilling programme will be created with industry leaders to make sure local people have the practical skills and technical knowledge they need to get jobs in the fast-growing energy sector.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This strategy marks the start of a new era of cleaner, more resilient and cheaper energy supplies to help our residents and businesses keep their lights on and their homes warm.

“I want this to be a turning point where our region’s innovative spirit starts to power a future of affordable energy, cleaner air, and greener transport - all while creating high-quality jobs for local people.

“And we’re already leading the charge. I’ve committed £23 million for a cutting-edge gigafactory to create thousands of jobs that will pioneer smarter ways of generating and storing the energy we need to power our homes, businesses and vehicles.”

The Regional Energy Strategy builds on the WMCA's multi-million-pound investment to decarbonise homes, communities, and businesses while positioning the region as a global hub for battery manufacturing and digitalisation.

Backed by £23 million of funding from the WMCA’s flagship Investment Zone, the Coventry and Warwick Gigapark is being developed to attract world-leading battery manufacturers and energy storage businesses.

Additionally, up to £24 million is being invested in helping thousands of businesses, from large manufacturing firms to small coffee shops and hairdressers, reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint.

Last month the Mayor also announced £167 million of new devolved funding to launch one of the country’s biggest and most ambitious plans to bring thousands of decades-old council homes up to modern energy efficient standards – cutting even more residents fuel usage and bills.

The flexibility afforded through these devolved funds will also support the region’s pioneering Net Zero Neighbourhoods programme, which is improving the energy efficiency of homes on a street-by-street basis, alongside other community-wide improvements to the environment and greener transport infrastructure.

Net Zero Neighbourhoods are being delivered in partnership with local authorities across the region.

Read the West Midlands Regional Energy Strategy on the WMCA website.