Date of the report
March 2018
Author of the report
Energy Capital, University of Birmingham and Energy Systems Catapult
Purpose of the report
The aim of the policy commission report is to make the case for the creation of Energy Innovation Zones (EIZs) in the West Midlands. The commission, which was chaired by Sir David King, calls for four pilot energy hubs to be located in Central Birmingham and Tyseley, UK Central in Solihull, the Black Country and Coventry and Warwickshire. The report states the main focus of the EIZs will be to integrate low carbon technologies, to develop the business models and infrastructure needed to support new approaches to clean energy as well as overcome the regulatory barriers necessary for them to flourish.
What SWM likes
The report strengthens the case for devolved powers to the West Midlands Combined Authority and encourages cross-sector working with local authorities, local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) and other stakeholders. With the West Midlands Combined Authority soon to develop its Local Industrial Strategy, the EIZs will be a fundamental way of driving clean growth and increasing productivity. We’re encouraged to see that the challenge of health inequality in the West Midlands as reported by SWM is recognised in the report.
