In November 2022, founding partners Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, ExxonMobil and the University of Southampton launched The Solent Cluster, the first major decarbonisation initiative that would substantially reduce CO2 emissions from industry, transport and households across the Solent and Southern England.  

The Solent Cluster is a cross-sector collaboration of international organisations, including manufacturers and engineering companies, regional businesses and industries, leading logistics and infrastructure operators and academic institutions, with decades of proven expertise in carbon capture and storage and hydrogen technology.  

The cluster could secure existing jobs and produce low-carbon fuels for sectors including maritime and aviation, as well as providing energy to heat homes, businesses, and public buildings. This effort could position the Solent at the centre of low carbon fuel production in the UK and make a major contribution to the country’s Net Zero ambitions by 2050. The project could capture approximately three million metric tons of CO2 every year. 

The Solent Cluster could also enable organisations to bid for government investment support for projects to decarbonise the Solent region and realise the benefits that can flow to the region’s businesses and communities. 

Image - Left to right of speakers from today’s launch 

Matt Crocker - Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions 

Dr Lindsay-Marie Armstrong - Associate Professor within the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton and Solent Academic Cluster lead for the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre 

Anne-Marie Mountifield - Chief Executive of Solent LEP  

Will Lochhead - Deputy Director of Industrial Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Business Models 

Further details: 

ExxonMobil backs launch of Solent decarbonisation cluster