From Blueprint to Reality 2026

while ensuring assets meet changing needs. However, retrofits are still capital intensive and careful management of hidden costs and added complexity is necessary to realize cost savings. Clustering also creates the opportunity for additional users already in proximity – such as fast followers – to efficiently connect and benefit from cost advantages, further spreading risk. Promote innovation and knowledge sharing The ability to collaborate on research and development with other organizations and to share best practice helps to reduce technology risk, accelerate project delivery and drive low- carbon projects towards cost parity with traditional technologies and energy sources. The six benefits of industrial clusters highlighted above help to strengthen the strategic case for clusters when seeking funding. Interviewees for this report noted that, in funding applications, demonstrating unified support from stakeholders across the value chain increased the perceived relevance and credibility of projects, providing concrete proof-points to unlock public capital. These institutional advantages can also compress time-to-permit, codify shared-use infrastructure (e.g. pipelines, CO2 storage and grid interconnections) and establish more predictable frameworks that lower risk and mobilize capital for first movers. From Blueprint to Reality: A Stronger Business Case for Shared Energy Infrastructure 15