Is West London set to become a cleantech hub?

Plans to develop a new business district for cleantech innovation in West London have been unveiled. The London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC) has set out recommendations for a major ‘Cleantech Cluster’ […]

Plans to develop a new business district for cleantech innovation in West London have been unveiled.

The London Sustainable Development Commission (LSDC) has set out recommendations for a major ‘Cleantech Cluster’ to support the expansion of innovative new green companies in the capital.

Its report suggests the area covered by Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) would be the most suitable location for the initiative.

It has already received backing from Imperial College London, whose new White City Campus would be part of the cluster and house businesses in the early stages of their development.

Professor Richard Templer, Director of Innovation for the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London 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 an innovative idea to an investible cleantech success story.”

The report has been welcomed by the government.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd said technology and innovation will be key to implementing the climate agreement set in Paris last December.

She added: “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.”

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