Part of national Energising Britain programmeEvent focused on accelerating the UK’s transition to clean energy through effective public engagement and collaborationKeynote speech by DESNZ Minister Katie WhiteKatie White OBE MP, now Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, joined community organisations, local authorities and business at a recent event exploring how Britain can deliver clean energy and bring people along on the journey.Over 150 representatives from government, local authorities, businesses, housing organisations and community groups gathered in Manchester for Energising Britain North West, a flagship event organised by North West Net Zero Hub, focused on accelerating the UK’s transition to clean energy through effective public engagement and collaboration.Hosted at Sister, the event formed part of the national Energising Britain programme led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), supporting the Government’s ambition to make the UK a clean energy superpower.The event brought together organisations and experts from across the North West to explore a critical challenge facing the transition to net zero: how to deliver clean energy infrastructure and decarbonisation projects at pace while engaging the people and communities who will be central to their success.The programme featured a keynote address from Katie White OBE MP, who was then Climate Minister, alongside contributions from leading organisations including Liverpool FC, Together Housing, Futureproof Cumbria and Carbon Co-op, who shared practical examples of successful climate action and community engagement.Delegates also heard insights from Mike Berners-Lee, Chair of the National Emergency Briefing, as well as speakers from IPPR, Climate Outreach and the National Storytelling Exchange, who examined how behaviour change, public engagement and effective communication can help accelerate climate action.The day included sessions exploring the role of culture, faith, youth and local communities in the transition to net zero, alongside an interactive marketplace where organisations showcased innovative projects, shared experiences and developed new partnerships.Bringing together more than 150 delegates from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, the event created a platform for collaboration between those delivering clean energy projects, supporting local communities and shaping future policy. Participants included representatives from local and combined authorities, housing providers, energy companies, community organisations, investors, universities and cultural institutions.A key focus throughout the day was the importance of building public trust and participation as the UK accelerates the transition to a cleaner energy system. Speakers shared practical examples of how meaningful engagement can help unlock local support, encourage behaviour change and ensure communities benefit from the opportunities created by the transition.Representatives from organisations including Great British Energy, Electricity North West, SP Energy Networks, the National Wealth Fund, Green Finance Institute, Community Energy England and the Carbon Literacy Project were among those contributing to discussions on how partnerships can accelerate progress towards net zero across the region.The event concluded with a forward-looking session led by Climate Outreach, exploring what a successful transition could look like by 2050 and identifying the actions needed today to achieve that vision.James Johnson, Head of Regional Programme at North West Net Zero Hub, said:“The Energising Britain event was a great way to bring together key organisations in the North West so they could learn from experts in communication on climate issues. We are very grateful to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for its support to convene the event and to give us the opportunity to play our part in encouraging public participation at the local level.”“This event was mobilised in a very short timeframe and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to those team members who did such a fantastic job and made the event a big success. In particular Paul Riley our Net Zero Engagement Lead, who carried much of the responsibility for organising a significant flagship occasion and who secured some exceptional speakers. Feedback has been positive and people came away with lots of ideas and plenty of optimism”.Andy King, Director of Clean Energy and Net Zero at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:“Events like Energising Britain are essential if we are to deliver the clean energy transition at the scale and pace required. The day brought together leading practitioners, policymakers and communicators who demonstrated how meaningful public engagement can build support for net zero and create lasting benefits for communities. Big thanks to the team for organising such an inspiring event.“Thanks also to Minister Katie White who was an excellent keynote speaker. She spent a lot of time engaging with the exhibitors at the marketplace. It was also great to hear Ed Miliband recognise and praise the work of North West Net Zero Hub.”Following the event, delegates continued discussions through a People, Planet, Pint networking session, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day’s discussions and strengthen relationships across sectors.As the UK seeks to accelerate its transition to a cleaner and more secure energy future, Energising Britain demonstrated the importance of collaboration, communication and community involvement in delivering lasting change.
North West Net Zero Hub event explores how UK can accelerate clean energy delivery
