New green jobs are set to come to the North East as part of a collaboration between a Scottish energy company and Newcastle City Council.
SSE Energy Solutions is set to open a regional headquarters in Newcastle in moves which will create new jobs while also accelerating the drive to net zero. The Perth company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the local authority and announced its intention to establish a Newcastle headquarters, with the agreement looking to provide more long-term, high-quality careers for local people in the low carbon economy.
The company operates across the UK and Ireland, helping businesses and local authorities on their journey to decarbonisation, with recent work in the region including a partnership with Northumberland-based low carbon consultancy Reheat and Northumberland Estates. The firms are exploring the possibility of creating a connected underground energy system to provide clean, eco-friendly power across huge swathes of Alnwick.
The new agreement with Newcastle City Council comes as the city and the River Tyne Economic Corridor have been designated a priority area for the £160m North East Investment Zone, which will drive investment and innovation in clean energy. The North East has the highest concentration of energy-related businesses in all regions of England and it is also recognised by the Department for Business and Trade as a High Potential Opportunity (HPO) for heat decarbonisation, which is a key focus for SSE.
It is not yet known where SSE would establish its Newcastle base or how many jobs will be created, but the firm has confirmed its committed to developing strong regional relationships by launching a regional base in the city, which will contribute to local economic growth as well as sustainable urban development.
City council leader Nick Kemp said: “SSE’s commitment to Newcastle marks a significant step towards the realisation of our net zero ambitions and will help foster inclusive economic growth in communities across the city.
“Newcastle holds the distinction of being the first city in the world where the city council, university and hospital trust each declared a climate emergency and committed to being carbon neutral by 2030 and by joining forces with SSE, we intend to show we are serious about building a more sustainable future for our city and region.”
Neil Kirkby, managing director of enterprise at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “Our partnership with Newcastle City Council is a testament to SSE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the North East’s transition to a sustainable future. By combining our expertise in decarbonisation and renewable energy with Newcastle’s position as a hub for innovation, we aim to create a powerful model for accelerating the net zero transition – one that can be replicated across regions throughout the UK and Ireland.
“This collaboration is a prime example of how SSE is investing in the communities where we operate, driving local economic growth, and championing a fair and just energy transition. Together with Newcastle City Council, we will work to unlock the potential of low-carbon technologies, foster the development of a skilled green workforce, and ultimately, build a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”