Investment Attraction

Greater Manchester has secured £3 million in funding through the Government’s 5G Innovation Regions competition to support innovative tech projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing residents' quality of life. The funding will be directed towards the Greater Manchester 5G SMART Decarbonisation Network project, which seeks to address climate change at a city-region level by accelerating decarbonisation efforts and fostering growth in the Green Technologies and Services sector.

A key component of this project involves connecting hundreds of existing air source heat pumps in social housing across Greater Manchester using 5G technology. This initiative aims to create Smart Energy Grids, which are advanced electrical systems designed to efficiently manage the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity. By modernizing traditional infrastructure, these grids are expected to reduce costs for residents and housing providers while simultaneously cutting harmful emissions.

Additionally, the project will pilot a Digital Roads network environment on the same 5G infrastructure, focusing on reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. This system will prioritize public transport and improve traffic flow, thereby minimizing stationary traffic. The long-term vision includes developing a model centered on social housing that can be expanded to test various initiatives, such as building management, education, mould detection, and health-at-home solutions.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will lead this initiative in collaboration with local councils, housing trusts, and industry partners, ensuring that the benefits of 5G technology are accessible to all residents, regardless of their circumstances. This project not only aims to enhance public services and economic productivity but also positions Greater Manchester as a leader in the adoption of advanced digital technologies for sustainable urban development.