A new initiative, Electrify Industry, was unveiled this week at the Houses of Parliament, aiming to accelerate the transition to electrification across UK industries. Backed by Make UK, the organisation brings together leading industrial players, including AMP Clean Energy, Siemens, Schneider, Babcock Wanson, Brush Group, The Paper Industry Federation, Spirax Sarco, GEA, Renewable UK, and Numatic.
The launch comes as manufacturers face significant barriers to adopting electrification, primarily due to the UK’s high electricity costs. According to Electrify Industry, addressing these costs could unlock up to two million new jobs and generate £100 billion in economic value for local communities.
Currently, UK electricity prices are the highest among OECD nations—three times higher than in France, 60% higher than in Germany, and four times higher than in the US. This disparity has made electrification less viable for many businesses. However, the government is now exploring policy measures to reduce costs for companies transitioning to electric power.
Laura Sandys, Chair of Electrify Industry, emphasised the importance of creating the right conditions for this shift. “A supportive environment will allow UK industries to train thousands of engineers, which is crucial for meeting the government’s growth and net-zero targets,” she said. “Properly executed industrial electrification will boost the manufacturing sector, ensuring the UK remains a global leader in producing world-class products.”
Sandys also highlighted the challenges of grid connectivity, noting that £3 billion worth of investments are currently stalled due to delays in securing grid connections. “These are real jobs, real productivity gains, and companies ready to modernise—all held back by years of waiting for approval,” she added.
For the electrification revolution to succeed, Sandys stressed that electricity prices must become competitive with other energy sources and align with global standards. “This is a critical step to maintaining the UK’s industrial base and unlocking growth across multiple sectors and supply chains,” she said.
West Bromwich MP Sarah Coombs, who also spoke at the event, voiced her support for the initiative. “As the MP for West Bromwich, I am proud to represent a constituency that remains a manufacturing powerhouse,” she said. “Electrifying industry will bring jobs and investment to the nation’s industrial heartland, supporting the government’s ambitious growth and clean energy goals.”
The launch of Electrify Industry marks a significant step toward a greener, more competitive industrial future for the UK, with a focus on reducing energy costs, improving grid infrastructure, and fostering job creation.
