Plans to build a 'cleantech cluster' for west London were unveiled today at Imperial's White City Campus.

A report, launched by the London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC), proposes a new business district for low-carbon industries, which will embody environmentally sustainable ideals, and ensure the city can lead the way in tackling the causes and effects of climate change.

The Old Oak Common and Park Royal (OOPR) site, which is adjacent to Imperial’s White City Campus, is Europe’s largest urban redevelopment, and would be the most suitable location for London's first such district, according to the report.

The concept is supported by Imperial College London whose new White City Campus would be part of the cluster and house businesses in the early stages of their development in its Centre for Cleantech Innovation (CCI).

Professor Richard Templer, Director of Innovation at the Grantham Institute, who is leading the CCI, said the cluster would accelerate the development of the next generation of smart, businesses that achieve success whilst minimising waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

He said: “All the evidence shows that there are huge benefits from likeminded businesses being clustered together in one geographic area and being able to draw on centres of academic excellence.

“Imperial’s White City Campus will be able to help businesses in the acceleration phase of their development so they can quickly move from innovative idea to an investible cleantech success story.”

Construction is progressing well at Imperial's White City Campus

Better future

LSDC Chair Lord Barker of Battle said the report, ‘Better Future: A Route Map to Creating a Cleantech Cluster in London’, made a strong case for the development.

He said: “The creation of a world class cluster will propel London to the forefront of yet another exciting growth sector.

“The development of a major innovation campus by Imperial College at White City and the simultaneous redevelopment of Old Oak and Park Royal into a smart and sustainable district are essential ingredients to put London ahead in the race to find cleantech solutions to the great climate change and environmental challenges of our time.

“Bringing together Europe’s most innovative university and the UK’s largest urban regeneration site has the clear potential to provide a home of global significance and create a destination of choice for green entrepreneurs and innovators.” 

The report was welcomed by the Mayor of London who said the cluster had the potential to transform the green economy in London and the wider UK.

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Matthew Pencharz, said: “London's thriving green economy is worth over £30 billion and will be one of the biggest global growth sectors in the 21st century. ‎We are a leading centre of innovation; with the entrepreneurs, technical ability, academia and engineering to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

“To bring all of this together in a cluster of excellence, such as at Old Oak and Park Royal, would ensure the city is a world leader in sustainable technology and put us at the forefront in the fight against climate change.” 

Fulfilling London's potential

The report outlines four key steps to fulfilling West London’s potential to house a cleantech cluster.

Firstly the launch of a global cleantech exhibition and festival in 2018; secondly the creation of a cleantech accelerator; thirdly the establishment of a cleantech incubator and finally the formation of an early stage manufacturing centre to help firms demonstrate proof of concept.

The cluster, located in old and disused buildings on the existing OOPR site, would allow low-carbon start up businesses unprecedented access to low-cost office space, mentoring services, business development advice, professional services, world-leading academic expertise and many other vital support services. 

Once the Elizabeth Line and High Speed 2 (HS2) rail networks are complete in 2026, along with the links to Heathrow airport and the motorway system, this cluster will be well-positioned within the communications and transportation infrastructure in the UK.

The new report was also welcomed by The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Amber Rudd MP.

Ms Rudd said: “The Paris Agreement marked a significant turning point in tackling global climate change. Technology and innovation will be key to implementing this Agreement, and I want those technical solutions to be home grown in the UK, creating new industries and jobs. 

“I strongly endorse the London Sustainable Development Commission’s recommendation to create a cleantech cluster in west London. London’s world-leading technology start-up cluster already rivals San Francisco and New York, and London has the potential to also become a global centre for cleantech innovation.”