The opportunity for Neath Port Talbot to be a Net Zero leader

Wales is a small nation with both high carbon emissions and forward-thinking commitments to a low carbon economy and the well-being of future generations.

Welsh carbon emissions stand at nearly 7 tonnes per annum per head (2020). Of the regions, Neath Port Talbot is by far the largest emitter at 46 tonnes per head.

The main reason for this is Port Talbot steelworks: a great asset for Welsh and UK economies and for the region’s communities, but also one of the UK’s largest single carbon emitters.

This concentrated source of carbon is both a great challenge and a great opportunity for Wales.

It has put Neath Port Talbot at the heart of significant decarbonisation activity, not just for the region but for the nation.

It has created a significant academic research and innovation ecosystem, established through decades of investment from UKRI, the European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh Government and others.

This ecosystem is already working with major industrial groups and primed to lead the transition for Wales, and the UK.

The map shows some of the projects, facilities and businesses from across this region that have come together as SWITCH to accelerate Wales’ transition to Net Zero.