West Midlands pioneers public-private clean energy collaborations

Energy infrastructure giant, SSE Energy Solutions, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), have signed an agreement that will see them work together on new clean energy projects across the region.

The private and public sector collaboration will support the WMCA, and its local authority partners, as they explore region-wide opportunities to bolster energy security and support the West Midlands’ 2041 net zero commitment.

The agreement builds on the new partnership between Coventry City Council and E.ON to deliver energy projects across the city such as solar energy for public buildings, a push to electrify transport with greater access to electric vehicle charge points for residents and improving energy efficiency of homes and businesses.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said, “Reaching our net zero goals is critical and relies on the public and the private sector working together. The agreement with SSE, along with the appointment of E.ON as Coventry City Council’s strategic energy partner, is a significant moment – it sends out a clear message that the West Midlands is ready to collaborate with partners who can bring an array of experience, investment and insights.

“Energy Capital was set up to provide the strategic vision and leadership on the energy infrastructure requirements for the whole of our region. This MOU is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with one of the UK’s major energy companies to support the delivery of the infrastructure we need."

And under the Coventry partnership, believed to be a first for the UK, the city council and E.ON will work together to develop ideas and projects for the benefit of Coventry residents.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said, "This is really exciting and completely innovative. No other city in the country is doing this. It will help Coventry move ahead with a range of projects that the Council would not have been able to achieve on its own.

“E.ON is based in Coventry and has been for almost 30 years, and it brings expertise, knowledge and skills. The partnership will also bring finance from the private sector so we will be able to quickly move forward on a range of schemes to benefit the city.

“We are already spearheading a number of major green projects, including the installation of hundreds of electric charging points – the highest number of any city outside of London. We have also developed a state-of-the art new materials recycling facility and we are well on the way to becoming the country’s first all-electric bus city.”

Chris Norbury, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, added “The energy transition is a way to regenerate the local economy and we’re convinced we can make a difference in and with our home city. This is not about designing a new vision for the future, it’s about getting on and delivering Coventry’s response to the climate crisis.”