LAW
Green – Sarah Daun , partner at WBD , says there ’ s still an appetite for clean energy despite changing messages from the government .
Teesside ’ s unique offering as an industrial centre with significant existing generation and distribution infrastructure means the region is perfectly placed to take advantage and become a national leader in delivering the energy transition .
Sarah Daun , partner at WBD , said : “ Our latest energy transition survey provided a number of interesting findings , not least that there appears to still be an appetite for investment in clean energy despite the shifting clarity on net zero targets which has been handed down from the UK government .
“ This links up with what we are seeing from our clients and businesses within the region who are making enquiries , with many inward investors and companies requiring support on their energy transition projects .
“ While there are numerous factors causing this uptick , backing from key supporters in the region and stakeholders and collaboration has been crucial to bringing this type of investment to the region .
“ Teesside has enormous potential to be a prime hub for any future activity on the energy transition , with the region already having a strong catalogue of energy transition projects and a skilled workforce , which is quickly adapting to business needs and infrastructure requirements .”
Range of technologies encouraging investment Examining a number of different markets for energy generation including solar PV , onshore and offshore wind and carbon capture utilisation and storage ( CCUS ), the
report also looked at areas of opportunity for investment within the coming 12 months .
With key respondents including companies and investors with interests in renewable energy , oil and gas , and nuclear among other areas , the report indicates optimism towards newer areas of investment , including biofuel and biomass technologies .
Teesside already has inward investors who have announced their intention to come to the region in these areas , attracted in no small part by the industrial cluster of potential consumers .
Both executives and investors believe commercial-scale carbon capture is achievable as part of the next phase of energy transition , with 70 per cent of respondents believing it will be attainable by 2040 .
Peter Snaith , partner at WBD and head of the firm ’ s Teesside office , said : “ Our region is already a front-runner in energy transition . Carbon capture schemes , lithium manufacturing and offshore wind projects are just some of the major projects already within the region and are vital limbs to the next phase of widespread energy transition in the UK .
“ We ’ ve been able to help steer many of these key projects across the regulatory and commercial issues which can impact renewable energy projects within the region through our nationally recognised team , coupled with our local knowledge , ensuring these projects can achieve their full potential and not just benefit the investors in these projects , but the entire country as it drives forward progress to net zero .
“ This can also help other businesses gain the confidence to invest further in the region as they see the success of these energy-focused projects in Teesside , which makes the area an extremely
attractive option as a hub of large-scale energy projects .
“ With a wide range of projects , Teesside will be futureproofing its local economy while also becoming a global example of the skills , infrastructure and knowledge needed to accelerate transition .”
Womble Bond Dickinson acts as a key partner for businesses looking to embark on energy transformation projects in Teesside , sharing local expertise , crosssector knowledge , connections and contacts , with the unique blend of city quality and national and international expertise unrivalled in the region .
The firm , which boasts dedicated teams in Teesside that can provide cuttingedge legal expertise in sectors including renewable energy , manufacturing , digital and local government , also provides indepth knowledge of the key local issues which can impact development and business .
Working alongside Teesside ’ s key operators and providers and having significant knowledge of the infrastructure in the region and understanding of the lay of the land , the firm has decades of experience providing local legal expertise and helping businesses tap into the changing energy landscape .
Working out of the heart of the region ’ s industry in the Wilton Centre within the freeport and connected with teams in other energy centres , including Houston , the firm is passionate about making Teesside a world-leader .
Its strategic relationships with environmental and regulatory consultants , energy procurement specialists and authorities that share its vision can help your business unlock its potential in the region . To read the full energy transition report , please visit WBD ’ s website : womblebonddickinson . com / uk .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 155