Why it matters: The Freeport East Economic Area handles more than 40% of the UK's container shipping traffic and sits at the heart of the East of England's clean energy cluster.
The Renewable Energy Association's Green Transport Hub Strategy report found that 500MW of additional grid capacity would enable Freeport East to pursue what it describes as its "green evolution" – enhancing its ability to produce sustainable fuels, attract new cleantech manufacturing and provide charging infrastructure for electric heavy goods vehicles.
The details: To secure the required grid capacity, the report recommends developing a coordinated electricity capacity plan, securing governance assurance from local and national bodies, engaging with Regional Energy Strategic Plans, and maintaining ongoing collaboration with UK Power Networks.
Freeport East claims it is forecast to contribute £5.5bn to the economy.
The company and industry stakeholders are now leading engagement with the National Electricity System Operator to ensure new energy capacity supports planned investments.
What they're saying: Matt Adams, Head of Transport at the REA, said: "Freeport East is one of the UK's most strategically important industrial clusters. Ensuring it is able to transition to a Green Transport Hub and support new manufacturing investments is critical for meeting our decarbonisation goals and for maintaining the UK's position as a leader in clean transport, technology, innovation and infrastructure."
Steve Beel, Chief Executive at Freeport East, said:
Modern investments across a range of sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries and Digital & Technology Services, require strong access to the grid. This allows for reliable power access as well as the ability for businesses to develop self-sufficiency through on-site renewables production that can share surplus energy with wider consumers.
What's next: The Government's recently launched Industrial Strategy incorporates Freeports into new 'Industrial Strategy Zones' with bespoke support, including a Connections Acceleration Service and £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator to speed up investments.
The bottom line: Strategic grid investment around Freeport East could establish the region as a major hub for clean transport and manufacturing, contributing significantly to the UK's decarbonisation goals whilst driving substantial economic growth in the East of England.
