Teesside leading the way to net-zero, creating jobs and future-proofing the economy
Middlesborough Transporter Bridge (Credit: Adobe Stock)
3 min read
Tees Valley, located in the North East, has historically been an industrial hub in the UK. Lord Houchen, the Tees Valley metro mayor, outlines new plans to build on that legacy and make it the world’s first net-zero industrial cluster by 2040
As mayor of Tees Valley, I’m proud to see Teesside emerging as the UK’s beating heart for the industries of the future, creating real jobs and opportunities for local people.
Where traditional heavy industry once stood, we’re witnessing the rise of a new Teesside − one at the forefront of the green economy, which is future-proofing our region while safeguarding the livelihoods of those who have long called our area home.
Teesside is an area with deep industrial roots. The chemical industry, for instance, has been a major employer for generations, and we’re committed to ensuring it remains a cornerstone of our economy for years to come. By integrating carbon capture and storage and other innovative green technologies, we are not only safeguarding this sector but transforming it.
The goal isn’t to abandon our past but to evolve it for a sustainable future, using innovative solutions to keep Teesside competitive in a changing world.
The Net Zero Teesside project, which recently saw government sign-off and is set to be the UK’s first decarbonised industrial cluster, is leading the way, showing that industry can thrive in a greener world, and with it, bring thousands of skilled, stable jobs for our local community.
“The road to net-zero will not be without challenges, but Teesside is facing them head on, creating a blueprint for how an industrial community can grow greener, yet stronger”
In Teesside, we’re proving that the transition to a low-carbon economy doesn’t have to come at the expense of jobs. Far from it − our commitment to industrial growth is sparking a new wave of opportunity. The creation of Teesworks, the UK’s largest freeport and industrial zone, has already attracted billions in investment, creating industrial-scale opportunity. Local contractors, suppliers and skilled workers are filling these new jobs, many of them in cutting-edge fields that will keep the area economically resilient and globally relevant.
Importantly, this isn’t just about climate goals or targets; it’s about creating an economy that works for Teessiders today and tomorrow. We’re conscious that for too many people across the UK, the net-zero agenda feels like a burden, with changes that can drive up costs or disrupt livelihoods. Teesside is showing that, when done right, it doesn’t have to be that way. We’re transitioning while creating opportunities for local people rather than making things harder for them. This approach ensures that new industries don’t leave behind the communities that built their foundations.
The road to net-zero will not be without challenges, but Teesside is facing them head-on, creating a blueprint for how an industrial community can grow greener, yet stronger. By safeguarding our chemical industry, establishing new industries, and making net-zero jobs accessible, we’re proving that decarbonisation can go hand in hand with prosperity and economic growth.
Teesside is, and will remain, the UK’s best example of how a local economy can rise to meet the demands of a greener world.
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