South Yorkshire could play big role in future green jobs

A Local Government Association report said the county could benefit from 19,600 green jobs by 2030, rising to 32,400 in 2050.

It said South Yorkshire could also be a key area to have hydrogen fuel production and distribution facilities in place by 2035.

Figures show Sheffield could add 1,600 jobs in low-carbon heating systems by 2030 rising to 2,450 in 2050.

Rotherham has been highlighted as an area which could accommodate 3,500 jobs in the production of low-carbon electricity by 2050, while Barnsley and Doncaster could add 1,500 and 2,000 jobs respectively in the alternative fuel sector.

The LGA has highlighted 420,000 jobs in northern England which could be created to increase wind capacity by the construction, installation and maintenance of carbon capture and storage plants.

These are aimed at decarbonising energy production and carbon intensive industries, such as cement manufacturing and large oil refineries, and from the installation of bioenergy facilities and hydrogen production to support industrial and wider decarbonisation.

The LGA has called on the government to better engage with councils to understand how new skills funding can be devolved to ‘better meet and respond to local needs’ and to support the creation of new jobs and develop a ‘pipeline of skills’ at a local level.

A report has also highlighted the ‘soaring demand’ for green jobs will require a ‘range of skills and expertise’ to enable the roll-out of clean technologies.

Coun Sir Richard Leese, LGA City Regions Board chairman, said: “Councils are driving the climate change agenda at a local level, through ambitious projects and targets, which is beginning to influence local economic growth plans and skills programmes.

“Demand for green jobs is due to sky-rocket as we move towards a net zero economy and local government, with its local knowledge and expertise, is best placed to ensure the workforce in every region can successfully surf the new wave of employment opportunities.”

“Localising and devolving skills investment, back to work support and any job guarantee will be critical to ensuring everyone benefits from new local jobs, including these one million new low carbon jobs.

“To help meet national climate change targets and capitalise on the green jobs revolution, councils need to be given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots to help realise the Government’s target of being carbon neutral by 2050.”

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