Why geography might be the answer to economic growth. episode artwork

EPISODE · May 20, 2026 · 12 MIN

Why geography might be the answer to economic growth.

from How We Build Britain · host Rob Gilbert

 I reflect on Great British Energy's first year and ask an honest question: what has actually changed for the places that have been on the wrong side of industrial decline for a generation? The answer is complicated, but there is a genuine reason for optimism. The coasts, the estuaries, the old industrial heartlands are, by an accident of physics and geography, exactly where the energy transition has to be built. For the first time in decades, the map of where the next economy needs to land overlaps with the map of where the last one was lost. But geography creates the opportunity; it doesn't guarantee it. I make the case for counting the social returns the system currently ignores

I reflect on Great British Energy's first year and ask an honest question: what has actually changed for the places that have been on the wrong side of industrial decline for a generation? The answer is complicated, but there is a genuine reason for optimism. The coasts, the estuaries, the old industrial heartlands are, by an accident of physics and geography, exactly where the energy transition has to be built. For the first time in decades, the map of where the next economy needs to l...

NOW PLAYING

Why geography might be the answer to economic growth.

0:00 12:53

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of How We Build Britain?

This episode is 12 minutes long.

When was this How We Build Britain episode published?

This episode was published on May 20, 2026.

What is this episode about?

 I reflect on Great British Energy's first year and ask an honest question: what has actually changed for the places that have been on the wrong side of industrial decline for a generation? The answer is complicated, but there is a genuine reason...

Can I download this How We Build Britain episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!