Sustainable energy boost for the region

HALTON Council leader Rob Polhill has welcomed the Liverpool City Region’s (LCR) nomination as host for a specialist local energy hub (LEH) for the North West.

Cllr Polhill, who is also the LCR’s portfolio holder for energy and renewables, branded the proposals a ‘great boost’ for reducing fuel poverty, lowering carbon emissions and improving business competitiveness.

An LCR spokeswoman said the project will consolidate the ‘region’s strengths as a leading player in sustainable energy’.

Pending subject to Government approval, the energy hub is expected to begin in April 2018.

The Department For Business, Energy And Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is considering funding the nub as part of its Local Energy programme, announced in the Clean Growth Strategy in October.

It is envisaged that the LEH will cover the region’s five local enterprise partnership areas: Cheshire And Warrington, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and the LCR. Endorsed by the LCR LEP and combined authority boards, the hub’s aim is to provide expertise and resources to help local authorities and LEPs across the region to prioritise and carry out energy projects.

Cllr Polhill said: “The proposed investment from BEIS, matched with resources from our North West LEPs, is a great boost which will enhance our ability to plan, develop and deliver energy projects.

“These projects will reduce fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions and improve business competitiveness across the city region.”

Steve Rotheram, metro mayor, said: “This will enable us to further consolidate our reputation as one of the UK’s leading regions for sustainable energy.”