The South West Net Zero Hub is supporting the Plymouth and South Devon (PASD) Freeport with their ambition to work with local partners to achieve a net zero emissions target for the Freeport area and the wider region, ahead of 2050.
Freeports are designated areas where a range of economic incentives are available. These include incentives related to tax, customs, business rates, planning, regeneration, innovation and trade and investment support. The PASD Freeport was one of the first of eight UK Freeports to receive final Government approval.
The unique remit of Freeports means that these sites are well placed to contribute to Net Zero targets through the development of renewable energy within the UK and to enable and drive innovation in the green economy. The PASD Freeport will act as a catalyst in the region to support the delivery of clean growth and marine decarbonisation.
The PASD Freeport has committed to undertake a sustainable construction approach to all development funded from their £25m UK Freeport seed capital award. In addition, they have developed a pipeline of net zero projects which the Hub is advising on from a net zero perspective:
· A 10MW Green Hydrogen Electrolyser at Langage underpinning UK Government Hydrogen Strategy and sourcing 100% green energy for the port
· Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge connecting Sherford and Langage reducing transport emissions and providing safe routeways
· Mobility Hub at the Langage site providing electric vehicles and cycle charging facilities
· Port Infrastructure Improvements enabling development of short sea shipping routes which offer a low carbon alternative to road transport
· An Innovation Centre at the South Yard supporting the development of net zero technologies aligned with the marine sector with wider applications, including Floating Offshore Wind within the Celtic Sea
The Hub will also seek to support the ambition to attract additional private sector green investment to develop the anticipated Freeport cluster of clean growth businesses.
Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, said:
“Working with the Hub will enable us to amplify the Freeport’s strong commitment to supporting Net Zero aims for the region. As a key strategic priority area, we’ve recently appointed a Net Zero lead to the Freeport who will ensure that net zero targets, objectives and ambitions are embedded across the whole project – an approach commended by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.”
Jon Rattenbury, South West Net Zero Hub Manager, said:
“We commend the commitment being shown by the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport to achieve a net zero emissions target and we look forward to working with the team to deliver their aims. We hope to share our experience of project development and access to the wider Net Zero Hub Freeport activity across the country.”
