Humber showcased as industry leader at energy summit in Taiwan

The Humber’s model for large-scale industrial regeneration has been recognised at a gathering of energy leaders in Taiwan.

Delegates from the UK visited Taiwan to take part in a programme of events focused on major investments and technologies which can decarbonise industry, create skilled jobs and drive growth.

The Humber region was highlighted as a pioneering industrial cluster, and praised for its scale of ambition, investment potential and collaborative approach to the challenges of decarbonisation.

Humber Energy Board Managing Director, Dr Iain Harris, was part of the UK delegation to Taiwan and presented the region’s compelling proposition as a world-leading cluster for energy and low carbon technologies during an Industrial Decarbonisation Workshop.

Conversations focused on the major investments in hydrogen and carbon capture and storage which can underpin the Humber’s economic future, with recognition also given to the region’s established conventional power generation and successful offshore wind energy sectors.

It provided an opportunity for the Humber’s successes, and learnings, to be shared with delegates, showcasing the region as a global exemplar for clean growth and regeneration.

Dr Harris said: “The visit reinforced to me that what is being planned here in the Humber is echoing around the world, and that the projects and leadership of our world-class companies are internationally recognised.

“A key takeaway for me was how many of the underlying challenges we face in the Humber are shared in Taiwan. We face many of the same questions around industrial decarbonisation, investment and market development.

“There was a strong sense that Government support and getting business models right is critical, while industry must continue to collaborate, innovate and support supply chain growth.

“I’d like to thank the British Office Taipei and Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment for the invitation, for hosting, and for putting together an excellent programme, with thoughtful discussion and much to reflect on.”

As part of the visit, Dr Harris joined delegates at CPC Corporation, a state-owned company at the core of Taiwan’s petrochemicals industry.

In parallel to the Humber, CPC Corporation is progressing development of carbon capture and storage technology, which is expected to store approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.  

Being an early mover and adopter of technologies, including carbon capture, was highlighted as important for both the Humber and Taiwan.

Industrial clusters such as the Humber, and in Taiwan, have the potential to become exporters of knowledge, skills and technologies as countries around the world make their own transitions to renewable energy.

Dr Harris visited Taiwan to represent the powerful membership of the Humber Energy Board (HEB), which comprises 16 major businesses critical to the region’s energy transition and industrial future.

In January, HEB wrote a letter to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – co-signed by 30 leading businesses and organisations – which called on Government to “Re-energise the Humber” in 2026 through policy action to unlock transformational investments in hydrogen and carbon capture and storage infrastructure.