Harnessing the History of the Humber

Brand new graphic launched - events that shaped the energy estuary

Brand new graphic launched - events that shaped the energy estuary

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It is an exciting time to be in the Humber right now.  From plans for new facilities to process minerals and carbon for batteries, to the expansion of offshore wind turbine production, to the production of more sustainable aviation fuel - every week seems to herald a new announcement of industrial activity here in our region.  But, this is nothing new…. 

The Humber Industrial Cluster Plan project team held a workshop for community representatives to talk about work to help reduce the impact of climate change from industry and energy production across our region.  Organised and facilitated by two of our suppliers (ERM and Sheffield Hallam University), it was a great opportunity to share more about the Cluster Plan work and to hear questions from community group representatives on what this may mean for people, the planet, and place. 

A giant timeline in our workshop attracted a lot of interest.  This timeline captured some of the key activities in our region over the last 100+ years, including such momentous events for our region such as the opening of Grimsby Royal Docks, the establishment of the Saltend site, and the opening of the Humber Bridge – to name just a few!  It rapidly became apparent that much of this industrial activity in our region was “hidden from view”, forgotten about, or perhaps just faded into background memory for many people.  Perhaps that is not unsurprising in an area that is around 75 km long by 20 km wide, with an estuarial coastline dotted with towns, villages, and businesses of all shapes and sizes! 

Our region is not just a centre of industrial manufacturing, however.  We are home to 25% of the UK’s seaborne trade.  We also have around 25% of the UK’s natural gas coming ashore.  We are home to the UK’s largest single source of onshore power, AND where the latest low-carbon electricity from the World’s largest offshore wind farm will come ashore!  It is no surprise that we are the UK’s Energy Estuary! 

Whilst our region is at the forefront of new energy and manufacturing technology in the UK, we are not forgetting about our existing businesses in the region.  Through the work of our Humber Industrial Cluster Plan partners and projects such as Humber Zero, V Net Zero and Zero Carbon Humber, we are aiming to build on the region’s unique history and work together to transform industry and energy production across the area to make it fit for the future.  Not only will this safeguard existing jobs and the production of goods that people all around the world want to purchase, but it will also serve to attract new industries committed to a net zero future. 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has studied the importance of industrial clusters in helping the world get to Net Zero and concluded that there are two important clusters to watch in the world: the Suzhou Industrial Park in China, and the Humber Industrial Cluster! 

If you take a look at our timeline, skilfully crafted into a more visually appealing form by Rachael Cowen, you can see not only the history of the Humber, but also how the future of energy production and industrial manufacture could unfold – turning the tide in the UK’s Energy Estuary in favour of clean, green growth! 

Download your copy of the graphic - 

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