THE UK marked the one-year anniversary of its 2050 net zero target on June 27, and the North-East, home to Net Zero Teesside, is playing a large role in achieving it.

Net zero where the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere is balanced.

The clean energy project, which uses CCUS, a group of process technologies that captures carbon dioxide emissions and store them deep underground, is under consultation but says the technology as "critical" to achieving carbon goals.

A report detailing consultation with the community and people’s views will be prepared for mid-September.

Meanwhile, Mike Jackson, entrepreneur success director at Tech Nation, calls for greater support for cleantech business.

He said: “The UK’s cleantech sector offers a unique opportunity to help the UK meet its 2050 net zero target.

But to deliver a meaningful impact to whole sectors and drive a green economy, cleantech businesses must be supported to grow and scale in order to increase their supply of green solutions.

“The UK is in a strong position to drive cleantech globally as these companies are growing their share of the investment pie.

"They attracted 73 per cent more venture capital investment in 2019 than in 2018, almost double the rate of China at 37 per cent per cent whilst the US cleantech investment contracted by 36 per cent.

"A growing level of investment is essential to helping these businesses expand their supply and drive a green economy."

Net Zero Teesside, first major development to be based on the South Tees Development Corporation site, is expected to bring 5,500 jobs to the North East and has a start date of mid-2025.