In this report, Ed Atkins argues that green industrial policy in the UK must be rooted in place. Through the review of cases of Vestas in the Isle of Wight, BiFab in Scotland, and Britishvolt in north-east England, he illuminates how gaps between political ambition and political economy have led to missed opportunities and industrial precarity. He ultimately calls for longer-term, systemic and place-based approaches that work to secure domestic supply chains, create secure jobs for many, and rebuild trust in net-zero policy.
“Communities cannot live and flourish on promises of a ‘greener future’ alone; they require tangible outcomes through investment, job security, and new infrastructure. This could allow a cohesive and more believable positioning of net zero as an opportunity, rather than a threat.”
Dr Ed Atkins
Taken together, the cases outlined in this report affirm the importance of developing long‑term, whole‑systems interventions that provide policy certainty, resilient supply chains, viable skills pathways for workers, and longer‑term outcomes rather than short‑term hype.
Meet the Author
Ed Atkins researches the contested character of environmental and energy policy and politics. This is with a particular focus on the local politics of energy generation and consumption, decarbonisation and climate action. He also traces how energy transitions will restructure regional economies and patterns of employment.
He is an Associate Professor at the School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol.