33 Industrial Clusters Across 16 Countries Commit To Reducing Emissions & Driving Economic Growth
13 new industrial clusters join the World Economic Forum’s initiative, aiming for substantial emissions cuts and job creation
Thirteen new industrial clusters from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom have joined the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative, further expanding its global reach. This initiative now includes 33 clusters across 16 countries, marking a significant collective effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, boost economic growth, and create jobs.
Launched in 2021 at COP26 in collaboration with Accenture and EPRI, the initiative represents a coalition of companies and public institutions working together to decarbonize industries while fostering sustainable economic development. Together, the 33 clusters have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 832 million tonnes, approximately equivalent to the annual emissions of Saudi Arabia. The initiative is also expected to contribute USD 492 billion to global GDP and support 4.3 million jobs.
A new report, co-published with Accenture and EPRI, emphasizes the vital role industrial clusters play in advancing clean-energy infrastructure at scale. These clusters—geographically concentrated hubs where industries, companies, and institutions collaborate—are central to deploying clean energy solutions. The report highlights the potential of digital technologies and innovative business models within clusters to drive the energy transition.
“Actions at individual industrial clusters and collaboration across regions can drive consistent infrastructure deployment, accelerating emissions reductions and economic growth,” said Roberto Bocca, Head of the Centre for Energy and Materials at the World Economic Forum. “Connecting clusters across geographies will foster a more resilient and sustainable global economy.”
The new additions to the initiative include clusters such as:
- Cartagena Industrial Cluster (Colombia): Positioned as a strategic hub for clean hydrogen and low-carbon fuel production and distribution.
- Gopalpur Industrial Park (India): Attracting investments in green energy and cutting-edge technologies.
- Hunter Region (Australia): A hub for innovation and low-carbon strategies.
- Jubail Industrial City (Saudi Arabia): A longstanding industrial hub focused on minimizing carbon footprints.
- Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley (India): Central to India’s decarbonization efforts with a focus on hydrogen-powered transport.
The report “Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies” outlines key strategies for accelerating clean energy production and consumption, including developing a common vision, expediting clean energy initiatives, and strengthening collaboration across clusters and regions.
Stephanie Jamison, Global Sustainability Services Lead at Accenture, highlighted, “These industrial leaders are adopting digital technology to accelerate the deployment of net-zero infrastructure, using data and AI to predict emissions progress and optimize energy systems.”
The expansion of the Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative represents a critical step toward achieving global climate goals and advancing the energy transition, with collaborative innovation at its core.
