Fast track to
carbon neutrality
Low Carbon
With a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2038, twelve years ahead of the UK target, the city region is creating one of the most ambitious and commercially active low carbon markets in Europe. This bold agenda is driving real investment across clean energy, hydrogen, batteries, retrofit, nuclear innovation and smart mobility.
For low carbon businesses looking to scale, Greater Manchester offers something powerful: demand at scale, coordinated delivery and the ability to deploy solutions in a live urban environment.
Recent investors include Swedish heat pump manufacturer Aira, while a five-year partnership with Panasonic is accelerating the rollout of low carbon technologies across the city region. Global brands such as Siemens Energy, Daikin, AECOM and Rolls-Royce SMR are also part of the region’s growing energy ecosystem.
Industrial Strength Meets Innovation
Greater Manchester’s low carbon sector includes more than 3,000 businesses employing nearly 59,000 people. The region is a leader in battery technologies, hydrogen production, nuclear innovation and smart grid systems, sitting at the heart of the North West Hydrogen Cluster.
Academic excellence underpins this strength. Institutions including The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University provide world-class research facilities, from advanced battery pilot production lines to hydrogen and high-voltage testing laboratories.
Private sector R&D investment significantly outperforms regional and national averages, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s reputation for applied innovation.
A Real-World Testbed for Clean Growth
From large-scale retrofit programmes and district heat networks to solar expansion and green hydrogen projects such as the Trafford Low Carbon Hydrogen Hub, Greater Manchester provides controlled, real-world environments to test and deploy new technologies.
The city region’s devolved governance model enables coordinated decision-making across its ten districts, giving investors clarity, speed and confidence.
Why Greater Manchester?
As the largest city region economy outside London, with 2.8 million residents and access to 7.2 million people within 50 miles, Greater Manchester offers commercial scale alongside competitive operating costs.
It combines advanced manufacturing heritage, digital capability, deep supply chains and a highly skilled workforce — creating an ecosystem where low carbon innovation can move rapidly from research to commercial deployment.
Greater Manchester isn’t waiting for the energy transition. It’s building it.
Our services
Invest Manchester offers a free and confidential package of services that are tailored to individual business’ needs, saving companies money, time and effort.
Finance & funding
Expert guidance, strategic introductions and signposting to loans, investment, grants and specialist support to accelerate sustainable growth.
Market intelligence
Free, confidential market intelligence and business case development support to help companies assess, compare and validate Greater Manchester as a location for growth.
PR & marketing support
Free PR, marketing and network support to help your business raise its profile and build strong local connections.
Property solutions
Find the right commercial property in Manchester with free, tailored support to help businesses secure offices, labs, industrial space and more.
Recruitment
Save time and de-risk hiring - we'll connect you directly into one of the UK’s strongest regional skills ecosystems.
Relocation
Free, confidential relocation support for businesses and employees, helping you move, settle and succeed in Greater Manchester.
