Exclusive: Prime Minister Keir Starmer reveals new deal for Greater Manchester at COP30 in Brazil
Prime Minister arrives at COP to deliver clean energy jobs as major deals in ports and industry announced - op ed from Keir Starmer
Today I am at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, standing alongside world leaders to tackle the climate crisis — but the people of Manchester are firmly in my mind’s eye. If anyone wanted clear evidence of how Britain’s clean energy revolution will deliver for working people, they should look no further than the new deal announced for Greater Manchester today.
One of the UK’s largest battery sites will be hosted in Carrington, thanks to hundreds of millions of pounds of investment by Statera Energy. Over two million homes will benefit from the clean power, two hundred jobs will be supported, and the new site – which will support the transition to clean energy – places Manchester right at the heart of Britain’s clean energy revolution.
It’s fantastic news for jobs and communities in the region. It’s fantastic news for those who want to see us get energy bills down for good. And it comes amid further news that coastal communities in Belfast and Great Yarmouth are set to benefit from further deals.
So to those who still question how the drive for clean, homegrown energy will benefit our communities, I say look at the deal for Carrington today. Look at the other announcements for Belfast Harbour and Port of East Anglia.
All of them bringing new clean energy jobs, economic growth and greater energy security to people across the UK. This is all clear evidence that Britain’s clean energy revolution is the economic opportunity of the 21st century.
And I’m proud of everything this government is doing to make sure we make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. In the last year alone, we’ve seen over £50 billion of investment into British clean energy industries announced with 800,000 new jobs expected by the end of the decade.
But of course, if we really are to make the most of this opportunity – and ensure we protect our children and grandchildren from climate change – then we need to go further and faster.
And that is the message I will be taking with me to the World Leader’s Summit at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, where I will be discussing with our allies how we can make the most of this golden opportunity for jobs and growth as we strive to protect our planet.
Because if we want lower energy bills for households and businesses, then we need to pursue more renewable energy resources. If we want greater energy security and reduced exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets – then we need greater homegrown energy sources.
If we want to win the race for well-paid, clean energy jobs and investment, then we need to raise our ambitions, not lower them. And if we want to protect communities across the country from the devastating effects of climate change, then we need to take action now.
All countries must work together to keep the goal of limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees within reach. So this is not the time to put the breaks on. We must keep pressing ahead – and I’m determined that we build on Britain’s advantages to put us at the forefront of this global race.
And Britain’s advantages are clear. We have a clean energy sector second only to tech in its rate of growth, which adds billions to our economy every year. We are delivering the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation – and the largest investment in clean energy in British history.
And the UK has led the way with our 2035 nationally determined contribution to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels. Today, Britain is poised to become a clean energy superpower. And that’s crucial for our future, because the jobs and growth it will create will support our ambitions to transform our country for the better, as set out in our Plan for Change.
An NHS that’s fit for the future. An economy that delivers good jobs and puts more pounds in your pocket. Secure borders. An education system that allows children to go as far as their talents will allow. A brighter, cleaner country – and opportunities for young people, now and into the future.
That’s the vision for our country. That’s why we powering full steam ahead on the clean power revolution – and that’s why I’m so proud that Manchester will be the driving engine of transformation in the North West.
And as I stand at COP30, representing the UK on the world stage, I will think about working people in Manchester — a city that embodies the spirit of innovation, ambition, and progress that will define Britain’s clean energy future.