The UK’s net zero sector grew by 10% in 2024, generating £83bn in gross value added (GVA) and employing nearly one million people in high-wage jobs. Ergo, net zero is driving significant growth in the UK economy, delivering projects that not only cut emissions but also create high-skilled jobs, attract investment, and future-proof energy infrastructure. 

The Net Zero Sector

The sector, covering renewable energy, electric vehicles, green finance, heat pumps, energy storage and waste management, is expanding at three times the rate of the overall UK economy. 

A CBI report, Growth and innovation in the UK’s net zero economy highlights that net zero is not a trade-off with economic growth but a major driver of it, contradicting claims that green policies harm the economy. The analysis found that 22,000 net zero businesses, from renewable energy to green finance, employ almost a million people in full-time jobs. 

The average salary in net zero jobs (£43,000) is £5,600 higher than the UK average, and productivity in these roles is 38% higher. The sector’s growth is widely distributed across the UK, particularly in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, the Humber, and Scotland.

Economic Growth and Climate Action

The analysis also showed economic growth and climate action go together and improve lives and livelihoods. The CBI’s chief economist, Louise Hellem, said: “It is clear, you can’t have growth without green - 2025 is the year when the rubber really hits the road, where inaction is indisputably costlier than action.

“We are approaching critical points of no return for energy security and emissions reduction. It’s really fantastic to see the growing strength of the net zero economy in the UK and we need to really continue to see that ambition.”

Yet, while net zero growth was strong in the UK, it contributed 50% more to economies across the EU. Clean energy also contributed a record 10% of China’s GDP in 2024. All the evidence one needs of the transition also being a powerful economic opportunity with huge continued potential for growth here in the UK.

Richard Wheeler Associates works with technology-led companies in CleanTech.

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