SWIC’s pioneering plan for clean growth
A summary of SWIC’s roadmap for hitting net zero in south Wales
The South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) is forging a path towards a sustainable, net-zero future, with the aim of creating world-leading industrial cluster that aligns with Wales’ societal needs in 2030, 2040, 2050, and beyond.
Encompassing south Wales’ industrial heartlands from Milford Haven to Newport, SWIC’s vision is to develop a sustainable industrial cluster, capitalising on the region’s unique industrial heritage.
The plan involves adapting significant industries, skilled workforces, and energy infrastructure assets to contribute significantly to the national net zero landscape.
Indeed, SWIC is committed to achieving a net zero industry in south Wales by 2040, which translates to a remarkable 40% reduction in Wales’ total CO2 emissions. This ambitious goal aims to retain 113,000 jobs and foster a net positive job increase while unlocking £30 billion in investment opportunities within the region.
The SWIC Plan in Action:
The plan revolves around five essential cogs for south Wales industry to reach net zero:
- Energy and Resource Efficiency
- Fuel Switching
- Clean Growth Hubs
- Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU)
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
These cogs are supported by seven roots that underpin a successful transition, covering areas like resourcing and skills, circular economy principles, clean energy generation, research and innovation, legal and planning, investment requirements, and stakeholder engagement.
The plan is being deployed in collaboration with various stakeholders, including energy production and distribution companies, manufacturing sites, local authorities, academia, and service providers. These collaborations led to the development of the SWIC Cluster Plan in 2019, with projects funded by the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge (IDC).
As industries explore decarbonisation options, SWIC is developing “SuperPlaces” and Clean Growth Hubs to address local infrastructure requirements. For example, the Milford Haven SuperPlace, with projects like HyLine Cymru, plays a pivotal role in achieving net zero electricity systems by 2035.
SWIC’s strategy involves resilient structures that will serve industries well into 2050 and beyond. The Cluster Plan’s success is evident in the creation of gigawatts of stable low-carbon power, aligning with national net zero ambitions. Looking ahead, SWIC aims to secure access to CO2 storage facilities and continue its regional transformation, guided by a forward-thinking map of key features. For more information, you can explore the full plan here.
In summary, SWIC’s groundbreaking plan for clean growth is not just an investment in decarbonising industries — it’s an investment in the future of Wales and the broader UK, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.