A total of 300 jobs are to be created after Greater Manchester agreed a new partnership with an energy company as part of its bid to become carbon neutral by 2038.
The city region has struck the deal with Octopus Energy Group which will see the company trial the uptake of new green energy tariffs for customers in Greater Manchester..
Through the partnership, Octopus Energy will also create 300 jobs in the area, ranging from data scientists and heat pump engineers to frontline customer support.
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Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: "We are really pleased that Octopus Energy have committed to expand their operation and are opening their first hub in the North of England here in Greater Manchester.
"The partnership will see the creation of 300 jobs and the trials for the uptake of new green energy tariffs and technologies will help Greater Manchester residents to go green at the same time as saving money.
"This has always been a place of innovation, and every day we’re making new strides towards a low-carbon economy, finding new ways to power our businesses and our communities.
"We’re showing that the transition to net zero is one with massive potential to make things better for our residents, and it’s great to have Octopus on board."
Devrim Celal, CEO of KrakenFlex, the arm of Octopus Energy that will manage the partnership with the GMCA, added: "As the world gathers in Glasgow at COP26, we are delighted to be working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver an exciting new partnership that will support Manchester in becoming the UK’s first carbon neutral city.
"Last year, Manchester-based company 'Upside Energy' became part of the Octopus family in a mission to create a dynamic and flexible renewable energy system. Reborn as KrakenFlex, the deep-tech pioneer is driving the digitisation of the grid, helping make the UK the Silicon Valley of Energy.
"We are at the cusp of a green energy revolution and partnerships like the one with the GMCA will help accelerate this transformation, making energy greener and cheaper for consumers whilst fighting climate change."
Cllr Neil Emmott, Greater Manchester lead for the Green City-Region, said: "This new agreement with Octopus Energy is a big boost to our plan for a carbon-neutral Greater Manchester by 2038.
"It’s also a major vote of confidence in our city-region to lead the transition to a more sustainable future, supporting low-carbon infrastructure and new jobs in green industries.
"Crucially, this partnership will lay the foundations for our Local Energy Market – the biggest project of its kind to revolutionise the way we produce, consume, and distribute energy in Greater Manchester."
