Strong Focus on Decarbonisation for MACH 2022 : With the COP26 global summit focusing attention on the importance of offsetting climate change, the green agenda has never been more relevant to UK manufacturers. Manufacturers have a key role to play in helping to achieve the goals outlined by the Glasgow summit, which is why there will be a strong focus on the opportunities presented by decarbonisation during MACH 2022.
Next year’s show, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham, starting 4th April, will have a strong emphasis on developing sustainable energy solutions, carbon reduction technology and much more.
Decarbonisation is predicted to be one of the major growth factors for the manufacturing sector in the next few decades; the Committee on Climate Change believes the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050 alone could cost an additional 1-2% of GDP.
James Selka, CEO, Manufacturing Technologies Association, said: “Getting to that net-zero future will be done by decarbonising processes and products right along the supply chain. This presents a wealth of new opportunities to the manufacturing technologies industry. Innovation will be the key to success in the low carbon environment of the future. By harnessing innovative technologies, from 3D Printing to automation, we can reduce the carbon intensity of the production process and create products that are better for the environment in the long term too.”
The scale of investment required is massive, but with greater risk, comes greater reward. The MTA has predicted that the drive towards decarbonisation could be worth up to £12 billion to UK manufacturing, with a further £8 billion being generated throughout the various supply chains, some of which may not even exist at present due to innovative technologies being developed all the time.
The employment potential is also huge, with estimates of 90,000 direct and 83,000 indirect jobs being created by the development of these new technologies.
Never has this been more graphically depicted than in the automotive industry. This year alone has seen major announcements about the developments of new gigafactories, both in the North East and the West Midlands, while Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire is set for a new lease of life making electric vans.
The huge battery plant planned for Coventry is predicted to generate over 6,000 new jobs and add more than £400m in GVA to the regional economy each year.
What is even more encouraging is that the new plant will be powered by 100% green energy, using a combination of sources including solar and wind power, as well as grid-supplied renewables. The plant will not limit itself to the production of new batteries, it will also be able to recycle used ones, a vital means of reducing waste and carbon emissions.
“For this, and many other reasons, MACH 2022 will be the event to connect the world of manufacturing technologies and stand as the destination of choice for companies looking to adopt and invest in the decarbonisation revolution,” added Selka.
“MACH is such a fantastic event for both exhibitors and visitors. Showcasing live, digital production systems in one space, it is not to be missed. Hundreds of millions of pounds worth of business is discussed, secured and completed at the exhibition, making it the must-attend event in the UK manufacturing calendar.”
For more details, visit www.machexhibition.com.
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