CHESHIRE West and Chester Council have received an award for its work in supporting the development of the world’s first net zero industrial cluster in Ellesmere Port.

The Green Public Service award was given to the Council at the Public Sector Transformation Awards.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I am delighted to receive the Green Public Service award. Awards like this help to promote the truly world leading activities in our borough. Being a net zero industrial producer is currently a pipe-dream in all but the most niche circumstances, however in west Cheshire, it will become a reality, attracting many more businesses to locate here.

“The Council’s programme of support to the industrial area has a long-standing history but in relation to net zero, this is a decade-long programme which is now moving into high gear. By working collaboratively alongside businesses, our communities and partners we are all playing our part to help the borough reach carbon neutrality by 2045, providing a healthier and resilient place for people to live, work and do business.”

Ellesmere Port is a world leading area in industrial decarbonisation, aiming to be the UK’s first low carbon industrial cluster by 2030, and the world’s first net zero industrial area by 2045. The infrastructure and technology being developed there presents a vital lifeline for domestic industry to ensure that it can continue to be productive, innovative and globally competitive.

The Council has worked extensively with industry and communities to facilitate the development of this cluster and deliver the combination of skills, relationships, resources and policy that make it one of the most exciting areas in the world for low carbon innovation.

ORIGIN was launched last year, a brand for the Ellesmere Port Industrial area, helping to lead decarbonisation in the North West and a key player in leading the Green Industrial Revolution. Projects, including HyNet, Protos and others are aimed at ensuring Ellesmere Port is at the forefront of trailblazing green energy and decarbonisation technology.

Over the next 20 years ORIGIN aims to protect existing jobs, and create thousands of new green jobs, growing the economy with over 150 new businesses creating employment for over 10,000 people by 2040.