Cornwall is making significant strides towards a greener future, thanks to the transformative impact of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The £137m local investment fund is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
With over £24 million invested by the programme in net zero and decarbonisation projects, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are well-positioned to lead the way in reducing carbon emissions, developing green skills, and playing a key role in the UK’s green industrial revolution.
Of this investment, more than £10 million has been directed towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e) through the installation of zero-carbon technologies and energy efficiency improvements. These efforts are already having a measurable impact on reducing Cornwall’s carbon footprint.
To date, 149 decarbonisation plans have been developed, 83 businesses supported through small grants, and over 49,000 tonnes of CO2e reductions are forecast.
The Good Growth Programme is also fostering long-term, sustainable changes. A further £14 million has been channelled into strategic growth projects, including green skills training and zero-carbon infrastructure development, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and future-proof economy.
Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme is playing a transformative role in helping our region embrace a greener future.
"By investing in decarbonisation projects and green skills development, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint and equipping local businesses and communities with the tools they need to thrive in a net-zero economy, but also delivering against the emerging priorities of the government’s modern industrial strategy.
"The Good Growth Programme is laying the foundations for long-term economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Cornwall leads the way in the UK’s green industrial revolution.”
All 142 Good Growth-funded projects across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been required to demonstrate their alignment with Good Growth Principles, including CO2e reduction, circular economy practices, and nature recovery. And they have been supported to begin or continue their decarbonisation journeys, with strong levels of engagement.
An example is Saltash-based technology company Secure Innovation which used part of its £600,000 Good Growth grant to install solar panels and electric vehicle chargers for staff. The company is now generating almost two thirds of the power it needs on site.
Meanwhile Eliquo Hydrock at Indian Queens which manufacturers water treatment technology calculates that its Good Growth-funded solar panels have cut its annual electricity bill by £240,000, slashing costs and making the business more competitive.
Another critical aspect of the Good Growth Programme is its investment in green skills. Projects like The Future is Green (Good Growth award: £2 million) are helping individuals and businesses across Cornwall develop the skills required for the transition to a low-carbon economy. By providing pathways from entry-level to advanced roles in green industries, the programme is preparing the local workforce for the many employment opportunities expected to emerge in the clean energy, construction, and transport sectors.
Good Growth investment in skills will see 319 individuals gain qualifications in green skills, while 426 people are being retrained from high-carbon industries.
Support for different sectors has been a real focus of the Good Growth Programme. An example of this is the Agri Carbon Kernow project, which received £365,257 to support farmers in reducing their carbon footprints, improving water resilience, and promoting nature recovery.
Similarly, the Net Zero Methane Hub (Good Growth award: £245,523) is driving innovation in methane capture and use, helping Cornwall's farming industry reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while creating new economic opportunities.
By addressing the specific needs of Cornwall’s agricultural sector, this initiative is helping farms operate more sustainably while contributing to the broader goal of climate resilience.
And projects like Upcycle Kernow (Good Growth award: £374,067) are transforming local spaces into energy-efficient community hubs, creating eco-friendly environments where residents can engage in sustainable practices, such as repair workshops and recycling.
Cornwall’s natural resources, particularly its proximity to the Celtic Sea, make it a prime location for developing zero-carbon energy solutions. The Cornwall FLOW Commission (Good Growth award: £1 million) is paving the way for Cornwall to become a leader in Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) technology. By collaborating with a wide range of regional and national stakeholders this project, driven by Cornwall Council-owned Celtic Sea Power in Hayle, is ensuring that Cornwall can capitalise on the enormous potential of floating offshore wind.
Find out more about the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme
Posted 29 October, 2024
ENDS