Midlands Low Carbon Sector Study

Overview

SWM and kMatrix Data Services were commissioned by the Midlands Energy Hub to provide an evidence-based study to understand:

1. The current state of the Low Carbon Environmental Goods & Services (LCEGS) Sector in the Midlands
2. Where support is needed to help grow this sector
3. The role the sector can play in driving a low-carbon recovery from Covid-19.

The study was delivered between November 2020 and March 2021.

Stakeholder Engagement

The views of a full range of regional stakeholders were sought to complement the quantitative data analysis. Nine focus groups (one for each LEP area) were held in January 2021 and attended by 130 cross-sector delegates. The presentations from each focus group are available here.

A final stakeholder engagement conference on 23 February 2021 attracted over 100 cross sector attendees and the agenda for the session included:

• Overview of the Study: Michael Gallagher, Midlands Energy Hub
• The BEIS Local Energy Perspective: Gary Sturgeon, Local Climate and Energy Team, BEIS
• Latest study findings: Sarah Howard, kMatrix and Anna Bright, SWM
• Discussion session 1: Addressing the challenges
  • Funding
  • Investment
  • Business support & skills
  • Technology & infrastructure
  • Policy & governance
• Midlands Engine View and alignment with forthcoming Green Growth Action Plan
• Discussion session 2: Sub-regional growth and support

The presentations from the event are available here.

Final Outputs

Analysis of the LCEGS sector is provided below at LEP and local authority level, along with a Midlands wide summary and Growth Forecast. A COVID-19 Impact Report is also provided.

1. Black Country LEP Final Report
2. Coventry & Warwickshire LEP Final Report
3. D2N2 LEP Final Report
4. Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP Final Report
5. Greater Lincolnshire LEP Final Report
6. Leicester & Leicestershire LEP Final Report
7. Marches LEP Final Report
8. Stoke & Staffordshire LEP Final Report
9. Worcestershire LEP Final Report
10. Midlands Engine Final Report
11. Midlands Engine Net Zero Growth Forecast Final Report
12. COVID-19 Impact Report

Recommendations based upon extensive stakeholder feedback are provided in the Final Recommendations Report.

A literature review relevant to the LCEGS Sector in each LEP across the Midlands is also available on request. Documents analysed include websites, sector action plans, Local Industrial Strategies, Energy Strategies, Strategic Economic Plans, European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) strategies along with other research reports and policy documents. Please contact SWM at enquiries@swm.org.uk if you would like a copy.