The roadmap will cover the four Black Country boroughs and consist of two elements:
1. Identification of methodology (and data required) to identify optimal locations for a flotilla of (circa 50) zero-carbon power hubs across the Black Country; including three pilot sites for deployment by 2024.
2. A business plan for a large-scale energy efficiency programme specifically designed to support Black Country manufacturers.

Tom Westley DL, Black Country LEP Chair said: “The Black Country are leading the charge in the West Midlands on decarbonising our industrial supply chains and we are delighted to have been awarded this funding to support the development of this roadmap with our partners. In such uncertain times it is hugely reassuring to be planning for the future and looking at how we can support our world-class industrial sector. Zero Carbon means lower energy bills, lower carbon emissions and commercial opportunities locally – all of which will be good news for the Black Country economy.”

Bryony Livesey, Challenge Director, Industrial Decarbonisation, said: “As the UK goes through trying times we nonetheless must plan for the future. We can announce today the funded projects of the first phases of the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge. These projects are the first stride towards the government’s plans to develop cost-effective decarbonisation in Industrial hubs that tackle the emissions challenge that UK industry faces. We look forward to the development of these plans and their contribution to meeting the 2050 net-zero target.”

Funded by UK Research and Innovation, on behalf of the UK government, Repowering the Black Country is one of only 6 roadmap projects funded nationally focused on helping the UK achieve net zero emissions by 2050 as part of the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge. This is a key component of the government’s Clean Growth Strategy.