The Solent Cluster, the first major decarbonisation initiative that would substantially reduce CO2 emissions from industry, transport and households across Southern England, has appointed Anne-Marie Mountifield as its Chair.
For more than 20 years of her career, Anne-Marie has held senior executive leadership posts in further education, the Civil Service (for the Department of Business Innovation and Skills) and local government before taking up the role at the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as Chief Executive in 2012. Throughout her career, from her start as a Business Lecturer at Fareham College to her more current roles, she has been driven to influence change.
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.
On her new role, Anne-Marie Mountifield comments: “I’m thrilled to have been selected as Chair for The Solent Cluster. I’m looking forward to working together with the Cluster members to drive the agenda for decarbonisation in the region forward. The Cluster provides a platform for the excellent work that is already taking place and has a unique opportunity to affect real change in energy production and consumption. To lead this is an honour.”
Anne-Marie’s appointment is the first Board role to be announced for The Solent Cluster with a deputy chair, directors and executive directors to be identified imminently. These new positions will be made from a broad spectrum of both private and public organisations, driving the Cluster in its purpose to maximise regional skills and ability.
The Chair will lead the Cluster in creating a long-term strategy and plan to attract further investment and opportunity to the region.
The Solent Cluster has the potential to 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 will 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 up to 10 million tons of CO2 every year, which is the equivalent of taking 3.75 million cars off the road.