33 Industrial Clusters from 16 Countries Commit to Economic Growth, Jobs Creation, and Emissions Cuts

Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 22 January 2025 – 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. This expansion strengthens the initiative’s global network of industrial hubs working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while driving economic growth and creating jobs.

Accelerating Decarbonization Globally

Launched at COP26 in 2021 and developed in collaboration with Accenture and EPRI, the Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative now includes 33 clusters across 16 countries and five continents. Together, these clusters represent a potential annual reduction of 832 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions—comparable to Saudi Arabia’s annual emissions. Collectively, they contribute $492 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) and support 4.3 million jobs.

The initiative’s latest report, Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies, highlights how geographically concentrated industrial hubs can deploy clean energy infrastructure at scale. The report showcases innovative, collaborative business models and emphasizes the role of digital technologies in achieving net-zero goals.

Insights from Industry Leaders

“Actions at individual industrial clusters and cross-regional collaboration can enable consistent new infrastructure deployment, reducing emissions while boosting economic growth,”

said Roberto Bocca, Head of the Centre for Energy and Materials at the World Economic Forum. “Connecting clusters across geographies and industries accelerates the energy transition and fosters a more resilient global economy.”

Stephanie Jamison, Global Sustainability Services Lead at Accenture, added,

“Leading industrial clusters are using digital technology to optimize net-zero infrastructure and harnessing data and AI to enable predictive insights, new business models, and emissions tracking.”

Neva Espinoza, EPRI’s Senior Vice-President of Energy Supply and Low-Carbon Resources, emphasized the importance of collaboration:

“The addition of 13 clusters underscores the need for stakeholders to work together to deploy advanced energy technologies, low-carbon fuels, and supporting infrastructure.”

Spotlight on New Members

The 13 new industrial clusters include:

• Cartagena Industrial Cluster (Colombia): Positioned as a hub for clean hydrogen and low-carbon fuels in South America’s largest port-based industrial zone.
• Gopalpur Industrial Park (India): A prime site for green energy investment and cutting-edge technologies.
• Hunter Region (Australia): A center of innovation advancing low-carbon strategies and energy economy diversification.
• Jubail Industrial City (Saudi Arabia): A holistic industrial city minimizing carbon footprints through synergies between co-located industries.
• Kakinada Cluster (India): A port-based hub driving decarbonization solutions like green ammonia and sustainable aviation fuel.
• Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley (India): A key player in India’s hydrogen-powered transport initiatives.
• Mundra Cluster (India): Integrating green power initiatives to support large-scale industrial projects.
• Mumbai Green Hydrogen Cluster (India): Accelerating the green hydrogen economy in Maharashtra.
• Port of Açu Low Carbon Hub (Brazil): Leveraging renewable energy and biofuels to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.
• Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands): Connecting European industries to renewable energy through green hydrogen corridors.
• Saraburi Sandbox (Thailand): A model for low-carbon cities focusing on clean energy and circularity in the cement sector.
• The Solent Cluster (United Kingdom): Driving regional low-carbon investment and clean energy job creation.
• Tranzero Initiative (Sweden): Promoting fossil-free industries and transport through collaboration at Scandinavia’s largest port in Gothenburg.

Key Findings from the Report

The report identifies three critical areas for action:

1. Developing a Common Vision: Effective governance, public-private collaboration, and shared digital foundations maximize value.
   • Example: Zero Carbon Humber uses digital twins to model decarbonization pathways.
2. Expediting Clean Energy Initiatives: Collaboration across industries, transport, and logistics is key, along with innovative financing and business models.
   • Example: HyNet North West’s asset-based regulated carbon capture and storage model.
3. Strengthening Global Collaboration: Connecting clusters through international networks and value chain partnerships.
   • Example: The maritime corridor linking the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley with Northern Europe via Rotterdam.

About the Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative

The initiative fosters collaboration among co-located industries and public institutions to align on funding, regulations, and full-scale development activities. Its aim is to drive economic growth and employment while significantly reducing CO2e emissions.

About the Annual Meeting 2025

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 20 to 24 January, focuses on the theme Collaboration for the Intelligent Age. Global leaders will explore ways to shape a sustainable, inclusive future in an era of rapid technological change.

To find out more, please visit : World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025