Dorset Council Leader calls for national backing on clean energy vision

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, has written to The Crown Estate and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), urging them to support bold new clean energy proposals that could transform Dorset into a national hub for renewable energy innovation. 

In his letters, Cllr Ireland reaffirms Dorset Council’s strong commitment to clean energy and calls on both organisations to collaborate closely with the council to unlock the region’s full potential. He highlights the critical role The Crown Estate and NESO play in enabling the success of these ambitious plans. 

Clean energy is the production of energy from renewable, zero emission sources that don’t pollute the atmosphere when used. There are emerging opportunities for clean energy production to take place in Dorset which could see Britain become a clean energy superpower.

Dorset’s unique geology, deep-water port at Portland, and history of energy production at Wytch Farm and Winfrith make it an ideal location for clean energy development. The area is well-positioned to support offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen technologies, and future energy innovations. 

The proposed projects could bring up to £28 billion in international investment to the UK, establishing new businesses, boosting the local economy, and creating a pipeline of skilled jobs and export opportunities. 

Cllr Ireland said: “Offshore wind in the English Channel will be the catalyst for the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster. It will attract manufacturing and investment in Portland, including carbon capture and green hydrogen production, import and storage. These projects will generate ripple effects—creating jobs, training opportunities, and further investment.

To drive this vision forward, Dorset Council is a founding partner in the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC)—a new partnership uniting private sector leaders, regulators, and government to accelerate green growth and strengthen the UK’s energy resilience. 

Cllr Ireland’s letters also stress the urgency of enhancing the UK’s energy security and resilience, noting that Dorset is uniquely positioned to deliver at the pace required by government targets. 

You can read the letters in full, here