InvestNN - Green growth and technology

Clean economy growth

North Northamptonshire is primed to lead the next wave of clean growth, offering significant potential for expansion in renewable energy generation, clean energy industries, and associated research and development.

The area is already a testbed for innovation, with active projects in solar and wind energy, hydrogen deployment, and electric transport solutions.

We have a growing ecosystem in digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, where the region’s low operating costs, expanding talent pool, and strong connectivity to leading knowledge hubs create fertile ground for investment and scale-up.

Strategic land availability, proactive planning support, and partnerships spanning academia and industry mean North Northamptonshire has the space and ambition to support business and investors in the clean economy.

Renewable Energy Powering a Net-Zero Future

North Northamptonshire stands at the forefront of the UK's renewable energy sector, hosting landmark projects that drive the nation's net-zero ambitions. 

The Chelveston Renewable Energy and Innovation Park exemplifies this commitment. Transformed from a former airfield, this 750-acre site within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor integrates wind turbines and solar panels, delivering up to 200 GWh of renewable energy annually. Its 32,900 m² innovation campus offers businesses direct access to 100% renewable power.

Similarly, the Burton Wold Wind Farm near Kettering has expanded from 10 to 17 turbines, generating clean electricity for approximately 8,500 households - about a quarter of Kettering's homes. Plans are underway to evolve this site into the Burton Wold Energy Park, a mixed-use clean energy campus integrating generation, distribution, and research facilities. 

These initiatives underscore North Northamptonshire's dedication to sustainable energy, offering businesses unparalleled opportunities to engage with and benefit from cutting-edge renewable technologies.

Transport Innovation

Driving the Future of Mobility

North Northamptonshire is fast becoming a launchpad for cleaner, smarter mobility. With a strong automotive and engineering legacy and a keenness to innovate and pilot new approaches, the region is embracing next-generation technologies to decarbonise the movement of people and goods.

Located within the wider 'Motorsport Valley' cluster, North Northamptonshire gives transport innovators access to a deep pool of technical talent and suppliers - from battery systems to composite materials.

Infrastructure and projects

We are driving EV infrastructure and pilot projects across the region, while Chelveston Renewable Energy Park is welcoming a £7.1 million investment from Intelligent Energy to establish a 1.3 MW hydrogen fuel cell test facility.

Proximity to institutions like Silverstone and the MIRA vehicle technology park further strengthens opportunities for collaboration in research and development.

Net Zero Technologies Cluster Creating Sustainable Solutions

North Northamptonshire’s clean economy aspirations go beyond specific industries – the area is cultivating a broad green-tech innovation cluster where businesses solving environmental challenges can thrive.

There is a growing network of firms and facilities focused on sustainable technology, circular economy solutions, and low-carbon innovation and these innovative firms benefit from the area’s manufacturing heritage, technical skills base, and supportive networks.

Strategically positioned at the intersection of Hydrogen Valley and the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor, North Northamptonshire not only has access to world-class research and skills but almost uniquely has a growth focused planning strategy coupled with land availability that ensures any business has 'Space to Grow Green'.

Last updated 03 December 2025