The UK’s net zero sector is expanding at three times the rate of the overall economy, contributing £83 billion in 2024 and creating well-paid jobs, according to research by the Confederation of British Industry.
The sector, which includes renewable energy, electric vehicles, and green finance, grew by 10 per cent last year and now employs nearly one million people, with average salaries £5,600 above the national average.
The report challenges claims that net zero policies harm economic growth. Labour ministers argue the transition is essential for jobs and energy security, while critics, including the Reform UK and Conservative parties, have questioned its economic impact.
The net zero sector is also more regionally balanced than the broader UK economy, with hotspots in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, and Scotland.
With high gas prices pushing energy bills up in recent years, experts say expanding clean energy is crucial for long-term economic stability and security.