More than 60 leaders from industry, government, education and the local community gathered at the Port of Ramsgate on Thursday 10 September to explore how Thanet can benefit from growth in green energy and maritime innovation.
The Green Energy, Marine and Coastal Innovation Forum was hosted by Thanet District Council and delivered by Ramsgate Space Community Interest Company. The event examined how the port and the planned Green Campus can attract investment, support local businesses and create clear pathways into skilled local employment.
Polly Billington MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, opened the event. She highlighted Thanet’s strong position on the east coast, its port infrastructure and skilled workforce, while encouraging attendees to build new connections and turn ideas into local action.
Juliette Sanders from Energy UK provided a national perspective, emphasising that investments in energy infrastructure must deliver real, lasting benefits directly into surrounding communities.
Delegates took part in four panel discussions covering future energy industries, marine decarbonisation, routes into green careers and business growth.
Discussions focused on practical projects, including community-owned solar, wave energy, cleaner maritime fuels, green hydrogen and using the port as a place to test new technology. Speakers also stressed the importance of connecting economic development to apprenticeships, work placements and local training.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, said: “It was inspiring to see so many people come together to shape the future of our coastal community. Thanet has a fantastic opportunity to become a leading hub for green technology and clean marine industries.
“We are fully committed to making sure this growth creates meaningful benefits for our residents, opening up skilled careers, apprenticeships and business opportunities right here in Ramsgate. The energy and ideas shared at this forum gives us a strong foundation as we move forward with our plans for the Green Campus.”
The day included a visit to the Green Campus site on Military Road, which will provide space for training, business enterprise and light industry close to the port.
The £8.5m Green Campus is part of the £19.8m Ramsgate’s Levelling Up scheme. The original funding allocation for the scheme was £6.1 million. However it was allocated extra funding due to rising costs in April last year and then received another £2m in June 2025 after a decision to scrap the project to revive ferry operations and spread that funding to other schemes.
Research presented by Callum Newton of Beauhurst Insights demonstrated how coastal locations like Ramsgate can drive growth by matching local assets with business support and investment networks.
Thanet council is now considering the ideas developed during the forum to guide the next stage of work for the Port of Ramsgate and the Green Campus.
A community event looking at the growth of green and maritime industries, plans around the Port of Ramsgate and emerging Green Campus will be held at Ramsgate Space in Albert Court on October 24 from 10am to 4pm. Tickets can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/green-energy-jobs-ramsgates-future-tickets-2000163409601
I have a green energy idea for Ramsgate, no aircraft, from the non existent multiple times failed airfield. With lorries thundering up and down motorways to take goods to established distribution centres at Heathrow, Crawley, Stansted, Luton and East London. That’s green.
another jolly up for the great and the good i suppose , i wonder who paid for this lot ? its just a brown envelope in a different form .
How many of these people drove there instead of cycling or at least getting on a bus?
So am I right in thinking that TDC have spent £8.5m of funding on a “Green Campus” with no idea of whom is going to occupy it and no idea of what it is going to be used for ?
Who on earth signed this off ?
To quote “ Thanet council is now considering the ideas developed during the forum to guide the next stage of work for the Port of Ramsgate and the Green Campus.”
Is this really the way to spend £8.5 million of public money focus groups of various green enthusiasts coming up with ideas. Surely discussions with existing green energy companies in the East and south east about what shortfalls there are in current area must be a place to start.
It’s cool because they’ll be lots of nice lunch opportunities paid for by both central and local government. Everyone’s a winner.
It’ll be sad when, in 7 years time, after some particularly spectacular lunches, nothing will materialise.
Vote Polly :)