Havant Borough councillors from all political parties have agreed to join The Solent Cluster to drive low-carbon investment and innovation.
At a meeting of Havant Borough Council's Full Council, members backed the motion to join more than 80 high-profile members from private, public and non-governmental organisations which wish to collaborate to decarbonise the Solent region.
The Solent Cluster launched in 2022 with an ambition to make the Solent ‘a leading centre for low carbon investment’ that will grow the regional economy, protect skilled jobs, and create new employment opportunities in the energy technologies and industries of tomorrow.
The regional partnership is the first major decarbonisation initiative that would substantially reduce CO2 emissions from industry, transport and households across the Solent and Southern England and will support Havant Borough Council’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy, adopted in September 2021.
Councillor Elizabeth Lloyd, Cabinet Lead for Planning, Environment and Water Quality said: "I am pleased that all Havant Borough councillors from all parties have recognised the importance of climate change and how The Solent Cluster can assist not just Havant but the whole of the region.
“Working with others, not just other public sector bodies but also businesses and educational sectors, will be key to achieving the best outcomes for the future.”
Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of The Solent Cluster, said, “Decarbonisation is at the heart of our economic strategy for the area. The Solent Cluster provides a platform for the excellent work that is already taking place and it has a unique opportunity to affect real change in energy production and consumption, establishing the Solent and wider region as a leading centre for low carbon investment now and in the future. We welcome Havant Borough Council as a member look forward to working with the team to develop a compelling project.”
The Solent Cluster will enable organisations to bid for government investment support for projects to decarbonise the Solent region, enabling them to introduce sustainable fuels for local transportation, the aviation and the shipping sectors; create low carbon energy to heat homes, businesses and public buildings; and open up new highly skilled jobs opportunities.