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Bradford Manufacturing FuturesInvestment Prospectuswww.bradfordcluster.co.ukenquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk Message
ForewordAn exciting new chapter for Bradford ManufacturingThis is an exciting new chapter for Bradford. As we drive Bradford’s economy forwards, we are dedicated to protecting our industrial heritage, securing existing jobs and the continued success of manufacturing through embracing a net-zero future. With over 1,200 businesses in the district, industry plays a key role, and this prospectus sets out a pioneering vision for the decarbonisation of industrial manufacturing, driven by clean power and the creation of new green jobs.When combined with our continued investment in the energy and low carbon sector, our focus on green transport and significant innovation asset base this translates into a unique low carbon ecosystem with huge potential and unrivalled capabilities to contribute to the Government’s ‘Clean Energy’ and ‘Opportunity for all’ missions. This means that Bradford is uniquely well placed to not just drive decarbonisation locally but also to develop, manufacture and export low carbon technologies globally.Our Bradford Manufacturing Futures project, a successful partnership between Bradford Council, Bradford Manufacturers and Bradford University, has been supported by funding from Innovate UK. Through the funding, the project has fused specific site analysis and low carbon solutions with the development of a district wide strategy for manufacturing decarbonisation.This investment prospectus builds on the evidence provided in its sister publication, the BMF Decarbonisation Roadmap. We encourage stakeholders to embrace opportunities to get involved in our ongoing work to decarbonise industry in Bradford and the implementation of a cost-effective transition of Bradford’s manufacturing industry towards net zero.Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 2David Shepherd Strategic Director, Department of Place
Our OpportunityDecarbonising Bradford’s manufacturing sector could support up to 1,000 jobs with an estimated £0.5-1.2 billion capital expenditure required.Motivated and innovative businesses can coordinate via Bradford Manufacturing Futures to develop plans for implementation~30% of manufacturing electricity demand can be provided by local renewable generationPotential to reduce emissions from manufacturing by >90% by 2038£0.5-1.2bn capital expenditure required to provide renewable generation and low carbon technologiesDetailed decarbonisation plans for key ‘clean growth hubs’ availableA significant investment opportunity in the district that could support up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs through to 2038Significant growth in electrified industrial heat, with roles for hydrogen and biofuelsBradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 3
Manufacturing in Bradford13% of the Bradford district's jobs are generated through manufacturing• Bradford is characterised by a strong and broad-based business community which is home to many successful manufacturing firms and a growing number of start-ups. • At the centre of the Northern Powerhouse and the UK, Bradford’s economic growth is critical to the wider economic success of the Leeds City Region and the UK. • Manufacturing has been core to Bradford’s success over centuries and currently around 1,200 manufacturing businesses provide 13% of jobs in the district, making a significant contribution to the district’s £12bn GDP.Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 4Figure 1: Breakdown of business types within Bradford
Decarbonisation in BradfordManufacturing businesses in Bradford account for approximately 16% of the district’s total greenhouse gas emissions• The Bradford district is currently responsible for approximately 2,000kt of CO2e emissions annually. Bradford Council has an ambitious goal, aligned with West Yorkshire, to achieve net zero emissions by 2038. • Manufacturing businesses in Bradford account for approximately 16% of the district’s total, with the majority of industrial energy demand being provided by natural gas. • Manufacturing therefore has an important role to play in the district’s decarbonisation journey. This will also ensure Bradford’s businesses remain competitive, improve local air quality and reduce energy costs via local, renewable, generation and efficiency measures.• Several significant projects are already underway to reduce emissions in the district.Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen25MW green hydrogen production due online in 2027, supported by HAR1 fundingBradford Energy Network£70m project to construct an electrified city-centre heat network by 2027Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus5Figure 2: Breakdown of Bradford district greenhouse gas emissions (kt CO2e)
Bradford Manufacturing FuturesHelping drive innovation across the district by bringing together organisationsBMF is one of thirteen Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (LIDP) projects funded by Innovate UK. BMF has brought together a range of organisations, led by Bradford District Council, to begin the development of a plan for decarbonisation of manufacturing in the region. Key activities in the LIDP project included:• Stakeholder engagement• ‘Top down’ analysis and development of a regional roadmap for decarbonisation• ‘Bottom up’ site surveys to understand the characteristics of manufacturing energy demands and decarbonisation interventions required in the district• Development of a knowledge hubThe roadmap analysis considered two scenarios relating to the future low carbon energy supplies available in the region and identified the scale of different low carbon technologies that could be installed at a site, local or district level to meet net zero targets.Further information on the future role of BMF is given on page 13.Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 6Figure 3: Roadmap Scenarios
Decarbonisation RoadmapIndicative pathway for decarbonisation of manufacturing over the next 14 yearsBradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 7Note :This is based on the ‘Holistic Transition’ pathway, with a higher degree of electrificationFigure 5: BMF decarbonisation roadmap
Investment Opportunities & NeedsRequired development in Bradford to achieve Net ZeroThe roadmap and supporting analysis highlight the scale of low carbon technology development required in the Bradford district. A combination of investment and support from private sector investors, government and utility companies will be required to make this a reality. These are detailed on subsequent pages.Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 8Utility Infrastructure• Electricity - national and regional grid upgrades• Hydrogen – development of ECH and local production projectsAlternative Fuels• Private investment to supply biodiesel / biogas for some sitesFunding & Policy• DESNZ – policy definition and funding support such as HAR• WYCA – local policy definition and political support• NESO – planning and support via SSEP and REMARenewable Generation• Private investment to provide onsite wind/solar• Larger investment to support centralised schemes and private wire connectionsClean Growth Hub Decarbonisation• Private investment to develop solutions at scale
Decarbonisation SummaryAdoption of decarbonising technologies can reduce 90% of Bradford’s manufacturing emissions by 2038The graph shows the estimated future energy consumption from manufacturing in Bradford, and the proportion of heat demand supplied by different technologies. For manufacturing businesses, this means that:• A large proportion of industrial heat is expected to electrify, predominantly utilising heat pumps for low and medium grade heat (up to 200°C)• High grade heat can be met by a range of technologies, including hydrogen, biofuels and residual natural gas (determined by availability and price at a local level)• There is significant scope for renewable generation at both site and centralised level, providing up to 30% of total electrical demand. This is comprised of approximately 80% solar and 20% wind by generation output.• CGH sites will account for a significant proportion of installed capacity of any technology adopted, which will likely influence development in the wider Bradford districtBradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 9Figure 6: 2038 energy consumption by vector and technology (holistic scenario)
Investment OpportunitiesThe delivery of manufacturing decarbonisation requires investment in a range of low carbon energy technologies through to 2028Note: Energy efficiency measures, waste heat recovery and replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels will also need to be implemented at sites to reduce carbon emissions. The range in costs given reflect the range between hardware costs only and consideration of planning, design (such as FEED) and installation work required. Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 10Low Carbon TechnologyRole in decarbonisationPotential Capacity Required in BradfordEstimated Capital ExpenditureInvestor ProfileJobs SupportedOnsite renewable generationOffset grid import with zero carbon electricity300 MW £225-490m• Renewable developers• Utility companies / DNO190-400Centralised renewable generationUtilise land available within the district for larger scale solar PV and/or wind generation120 MW £110-240m• Local / regional authorities• Renewable developers90-200Electrification of heat (heat pumps)Replace natural gas for generation of low and medium grade heat, for space heating and industrial processes130 MW £65-145m• Government funding• Heating as a service50-120Energy storageTo maximise the use of renewable generation, reduce grid demands and provide resiliency1.2 GWh £70-160m• Renewable developers• Utility companies / DNO60-130Onsite electrolysisAlternative approach to maximise renewable generation, hydrogen can be used onsite or sold35 MW £50-110m• Developers• Private investors40-90Hydrogen boilers / CHPTo replace natural gas for medium/high grade heat, particularly where there are grid constraints20 MW £3-8m • Gas networks 5-10£0.5-1.2bn total investment450-1,000 direct and indirect jobs supported
Infrastructure requirementsBy 2038 an additional 365GWh of grid electricity and 375t (12.5 GWh) of hydrogen will need to be supplied via regional infrastructure each yearThe current electrical infrastructure in the Bradford district is shown in Figure 7, some of which is already constrained. New or upgraded regional energy infrastructure will be required to enable the future low carbon energy demands of manufacturing in Bradford. The roadmap analysis shows that the total annual fuel consumption at sites is expected to increase by 750GWh of electricity and 1900t (63GWh) of hydrogen compared to today. Much of this increase will be met by onsite generation, but supplying the remainder will require investment in, and support for development of:• Electrical networks at transmission and distribution level• Additional shared-access solar and wind generation sites (120MW capacity)• Hydrogen pipelines (e.g. ECH)Some areas of Bradford are expected to be more grid-constrained than others in the future (see Figure 8). Relieving these constraints will be a priority to enable electrification in these areas.Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 11Figure 8: Northern Powergrid ‘Best view’ of 2038 electrical demand headroom (MW)Figure 7: Existing electrical infrastructure in the Bradford district
Future Hydrogen ScenarioDecarbonisation remains predominantly electrification-driven, with Hydrogen playing a greater role in areas of low grid capacity availabilityIn the alternative ‘Future Hydrogen’ scenario, a greater availability of hydrogen across the Bradford district leads to this having a larger uptake for heating and combined heat and power.Heat pumps would remain the most dominant source of low & medium grade heat, with hydrogen being cheaper or more accessible for businesses in areas that are likely to be more grid-constrained. This leads to 9,000t (300GWh) of hydrogen being consumed on site (7,100t more than the holistic scenario), meaning that further investment and skills development in hydrogen distribution and site retrofit would be required.Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 12Figure 9: Future energy consumption by vector and technology (Hydrogen Scenario)(can be compared to Figure 7)Figure 10: Future energy supply mix across Bradford (Hydrogen Scenario)
ImplementationCreation of formal entity to support manufacturing decarbonisation in BradfordWork carried out as part of the LIDP project shows the significant deployment of low carbon technologies that is required, across the region, to achieve net zero emissions. Bradford Manufacturing Futures will continue to operate in 2025 and beyond to support manufacturing businesses and drive decarbonisation in the Bradford district. This will be achieved via the creation of a formal BMF entity, such as are operating in the Black Country and South Wales industrial clusters. This is intended to:• Be a voice of Manufacturing, engaging with energy infrastructure planning and investors• Ensure continued momentum within the Bradford region after the LIDP• Act as a centralised management point, to facilitate decision making within Bradford• Vehicle for potential future funding• Represent Bradford manufacturing at industry or local/regional government discussions• Provide guidance to members on decarbonisation and obtaining funding• Publicise and increase recognition of work going on within BradfordNext steps for Bradford Manufacturing Futures to progress decarbonisation will include:• Helping businesses to develop specific opportunities that have been identified from site surveys and sharing knowledge• Liaising with DNO, GDN and NESO• Gathering further evidence to improve and update the district roadmapBradford Manufacturing Futures Investment ProspectusMid-2025 OnwardsBMF workstreams and activities definedEarly 2025Formal entity and funding model to continue BMF2024LIDP project and inception of BMF13
Collaboration OpportunitiesA platform for Bradford businesses to work together to implement clean growthBradford Manufacturing Futures is building a network across the district and can facilitate conversations with a range of other organisations investing in and supporting decarbonisation:Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 14Figure 11: Bradford district wardsBMFBradford CouncilInvest in Bradford and Chamber of CommerceWYCA & DESNZLEPs and the North East & Yorkshire Net Zero HubLocal universities in and around West YorkshireNorthern Powergrid and Northern Gas NetworksManufacturing businessesMade Smarter
BMF - Clean Growth HubsPotential for collaboration and shared action through local Clean Growth HubsFive ‘Clean Growth Hubs’ have been identified in the Bradford district. These contain some of the largest manufacturing sites in the district and represent a significant proportion of regional emissions and GDP. Alongside other nearby businesses, these hubs represent significant opportunities for shared action on low carbon energy generation and decarbonisation activities. Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 15Figure 4: Clean Growth Hubs identified in Bradford
Shipley constitutes approximately 13 ktCO2e of Bradford District’s industrial emissions.1,740 local jobs and £115 million of GVA in the Bradford District.Shipley industry comprises metal fabrication, advanced materials & components, printing and computer & electronic products.Small scale CHP operates in the Shipley (large portion of CO2 emissions), with other businesses highly reliant on electrical process or that could electrify. The Shipley CGH report sets out to tackle:- Possible infrastructure constraint solutions with smart electrification opportunities on industrial estates.- Techno-economic decarbonisation pathways for significant emitters. - Shared infrastructure possibilities across sites, improving cost effectiveness and competitiveness. To request access to the full report, please contact: enquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk CAPEX ESTIMATE *Industrial CGH investment £50M TOTAL© CR Plus Ltd, 2025
Keighley constitutes approximately 28 ktCO2e of Bradford District’s industrial emissions predominantly from SMEs.2,520 local jobs and £155 million of GVA in the Bradford DistrictBusiness in Keighley are mainly split between 3 areas: Airedale business park, East Keighley and South Keighley. These businesses include metal fabrication, textiles, machinery, rubber & plastics, printing, paper, chemicals and beverages.Energy efficiency and fuel-switching options in the area have been identified via site surveys on a range of key/representative businesses.The Keighley CGH report sets out to:- Propose alternative methods for energy generation and procurement for improved cost competitiveness.- Highlight opportunities for heat sharing across site boundaries. - Propose technical solutions for larger emission sources whilst integrating electrical and other infrastructure challenges at industrial estate level. To request access to the full report, please contact: enquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk CAPEX ESTIMATE *Industrial CGH investment £90M TOTAL© CR Plus Ltd, 2025
Low Moor constitutes 32% (103 ktCO2e) of Bradford District’s industrial emissions.1,930 local jobs and £114 million of GVA in the Bradford District.This CGH is characterised by two large CHP plants for industrial steam with additional gas demand at an aggregates plant plus various space heating loads. There are many small sites that rely on local electrical infrastructure that are becoming increasingly constrained. The CGH Low Moor Report:- Addresses the techno-economic barriers for large gas users- Holistic plan infrastructure for all local businesses - Propose meaningful collaboration opportunities across sites- Identifies key investment and structures to protect/grow industry and jobs for the long-termTo request access to the full report, please contact: enquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk CAPEX ESTIMATE *Industrial CGH investment £200M TOTAL© CR Plus Ltd, 2025
South Bradford constitutes approximately 55 ktCO2e of Bradford District’s industrial emissions.4,155 local jobs and £254 million of GVA in the Bradford DistrictSouth Bradford industry is distributed across four sub areas: Southern Gateway, Bowling Back Lane, Central, and Tong to Cutler Heights.Major emitters are food and chemical processing sites with other manufacturers from sectors including glass, engineering and textiles amongst others. The complexity of the area and prospective developments pose challenges and opportunities. The South Bradford CGH report sets out to:- Tackle individual areas making use of the variety of site operations for collective benefit. e.g., heat, electrical and shared pipe infrastructure. - Deliver decarbonisation with the latest advancements in process technology for food and chemical sectors yet integrate into the ambitious Southern Gateway Plans via joint working groups.CAPEX ESTIMATE *Industrial CGH investment £200M TOTALTo request access to the full report, please contact: enquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk © CR Plus Ltd, 2025
Thornton Road constitutes approximately 26 ktCO2e of Bradford District’s industrial emissions.2,665 local jobs and £140 million of GVA in the Bradford DistrictAround 70% of emissions in the Thornton Road CGH originate from food manufacturers combusting natural gas for steam, hot water and cooking processes. There are multiple smaller businesses within the CGH which have requirements for process and space heating and grid electricity.The Thornton Road CGH report sets out to:- Identify and debottleneck enabling infrastructure to progress decarbonisation activities. - Propose solutions for complex heat decarbonisation (low and medium temperatures) whilst maintaining competitiveness. - Share electricity, renewable generation, storage and heat networks between businesses .CAPEX ESTIMATE *Industrial CGH investment £150M TOTALTo request access to the full report, please contact: enquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk © CR Plus Ltd, 2025
Bradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 16Want to know more?Visit: www.bradfordcluster.co.ukEmail: enquiries@bradfordcluster.co.uk
Glossary & ReferencesAcronymMeaningBMDCBradford Metropolitan District CouncilBMFBradford Manufacturing FuturesCAPEXCapital ExpendituresCGHClean Growth HubCHPCombined Heat and PowerCO2Carbon DioxideCoPCoefficient of performanceDNODistribution Network OperatorFESFuture Energy ScenarioGDNGas Distribution NetworkHARHydrogen Allocation RoundLIDPLocal Industrial Decarbonisation PlanMSOAMiddle Layer Super Output AreasNAEINational Atmospheric Emissions InventoryNESONational Energy System OperatorOPEXOperating ExpenseBradford Manufacturing Futures Investment Prospectus 17AcronymMeaningR&DResearch and DevelopmentSICStandard Industrial ClassificationSMESmall and Medium EnterprisesUKRIUK Research and Innovations