Major plans unveiled to fuel the UK’s green revolution

Plans to create the UK Centre of Electrictifcation and Clean Energy have taken a significant step forward in Coventry.

Greenpower Park is set to have the West Midlands Gigafactory as its anchor tenant and harness collaboration between nine local universities, industry and stakeholders to develop new business and manufacturing facilities. A “unique package of incentives” will be up for grabs to kickstart development on the site of what will be Britain’s biggest gigafactory.

The centre aims to attract £2.5bn of inward investment through the advanced manufacturing investment zone, generate 6,000 highly skilled jobs and place the UK at the forefront of critical clean energy technologies.

It is reportedly already attracting keen interest, with a number of Asian battery manufacturers actively considering moving to the site. Reports in the Sunday Times suggested that Chinese battery maker EVE Energy is plotting to become a major player at the park.

It is the only site in the UK with approved plans for a large-scale battery production facility with a capacity of up to 60GWh – enough to power 600,000 electric vehicles.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council said: “In a decisive stride towards fortifying Britain’s position as a global leader in electrification innovation, the unveiling of Greenpower Park with the West Midlands Gigafactory marks a transformative moment for the nation’s net zero landscape.

“This ambitious initiative is not merely about setting the groundwork for the next generation of electric technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. It is a clarion call to the world that the UK is open for business, ready to lead the charge in the green industrial revolution.

“With its strategic location, unprecedented financial support, academic partnerships, a ready-made skilled workforce, and oven-ready plans to build Britain’s biggest gigafactory, Greenpower Park is poised to become the cornerstone of the UK’s electrified future, driving forward our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”