FURNESS’ MP has set out his vision for creating local green jobs in the Net Zero Northern Powerhouse essay collection, published today by the Conservative Environment Network. The collection recommends a suite of new policies that would help the government deliver its cornerstone manifesto pledge to level up the North of England, while also implementing its 2050 net zero emissions target and creating good-quality jobs in emerging green industries. MP Simon Fell said: “I’m delighted to take part in this essay collection. “The North of England has a proud history as the pioneers of the first industrial revolution. “We are now set to be the innovators and engineer, driving the new green industrial revolution. “From the UK’s world-leading offshore wind sector off the North East and North West coastline, to the EVs that are manufactured in Sunderland and the hydrogen that is produced in the Tees Valley, the North has the technological excellence that the UK will need to reach net zero. “The government should support these innovative green businesses in our area to grow, develop new clean technologies, and create thousands more jobs.” The MP’s essay sets out his recommendations to carry out a comprehensive skills review, and to develop net zero skills by reforming training standards to make it easier for people to transition between industries and improve their skill range. Other topics contained within Mr Fell’s essay include making the case to fund three tidal barrages in Cumbria and building a net zero institute of technology in the county. As more countries around the world set net zero targets in line with the Paris Agreement, this essay collection sets out how the UK can seize the economic opportunities by getting ahead in the global race for clean technologies. A significant portion of the UK’s emerging and rapidly growing clean industries are based in the North of England, from the UK’s world leading offshore wind sector, to its major EV manufacturing hub which exported a quarter of all EVs sold in Europe last year, to its pioneering hydrogen and carbon capture industries. The essay authors argue that, with further support for these clean industries, the Prime Minister can level up communities across the Northern Powerhouse with better infrastructure and more employment opportunities. Another essay by MP Katherine Fletcher includes support for innovative renewable energy technologies across the North West, such as floating offshore wind, by establishing new ‘Innovative Power Purchasing Agreements’. The ten Conservative MPs are building on the vision set out in the Prime Minister’s 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution, this collection outlines how the government’s levelling up agenda can be delivered through the UK’s target to reach net zero emissions by 2050, creating thousands of good-quality green jobs across the region.