ADE warns jobs at risk without urgent action
Published: 10 April, 2025
Half of the UK’s industrial emissions, from factories, breweries and manufacturers outside Government-backed “clusters”, are being ignored in the race to net zero, risking 770,000 jobs, warns the ADE.
In the newly published report, Help Industry to Help Net Zero, the ADE reveals 78% of industrial energy demand could be electrified now using existing technology, slashing emissions by 78%. However, the trade association warns without urgent policy intervention, businesses outside clusters face crippling electricity costs, grid delays and a lack of skilled labour, leaving the UK trailing global competitors.
Caroline Bragg, CEO of the ADE, said: “The Government has no plan to decarbonise half of industrial emissions. That’s 770,000 livelihoods on the line. Our report shows how co-locating renewables and storage at industrial sites can and should cut bills. Ministers must act now, starting with an Electrification Business Plan to match support for hydrogen and carbon capture.”
The report recommends three fixes: first, an Electrification Business Plan to fund dispersed sites equally with clusters. Second, Regional Energy Strategic Plans to pair factories with on-site renewables and storage in grid-congested zones. Third, energy pricing reforms to stop punishing firms for ditching gas.
Global rivals are outspending the UK on industrial electrification. ADE warns industrial electrification is a lifeline to protect jobs, ease grid strain and hit net zero.
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