Data collaboration, underpinned by a strong digital core, is a critical foundation to enable clusters to unlock system value benefits for the cluster, their constituents and local stakeholders. Trust among players in a cluster is key to enabling transparency and data collaboration via a robust cluster-level digital core in a secure environment. In turn, digital technologies can harness and integrate complex information to produce valuable insights at the cluster level. Building upon the core, digital applications enable operational and commercial benefits and unlock related system value benefits (e.g. energy security). These digital tools not only facilitate secure data collaboration but also set the foundation of resilience and reinvention40 to help clusters innovate and incorporate new digital technologies such as AI. Cluster-level digital core Zero Carbon Humber is part of the Humber Cluster in the UK. This cluster includes one of the UK’s two main steel production centres, two oil refineries, two major chemicals clusters, and manufacturers of biofuel, cement, lime and glass. Microsoft and Accenture’s joint venture Avanade and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield are supporting the Zero Carbon Humber partnership in developing the foundation for a digital test-bed for the cluster, starting with a digital twin of the hydrogen infrastructure and local market. By digitally modelling the hydrogen value chain with both real and synthetic data, it will encompass the production of blue and green hydrogen, as well as its storage, transport and consumption within and beyond the cluster. This digital twin will facilitate the modelling of decarbonization pathways and scenarios, providing insights into risk, carbon abatement potential, hydrogen market evolution and the development of the UK’s hydrogen supply chain. The solution will be built in the cloud and will apply open data principles and cross-sector digital twin data standards. Given that clusters are inherently collaborative endeavours, the intention is that this digital twin technology will serve as an invaluable decision-supporting tool to facilitate the envisioning, shaping and building of clusters from policy-makers to investors and operators.41 The project’s output demonstrates the potential of digital models in solving complex supply chain problems in industrial clusters. The product-level digital twin showcases the benefits of connectivity between hydrogen producers, industrial emitters and various cross-sector actors. It also includes embedded financial modelling of different supply and demand scenarios, providing investors with visibility of potential order volume and related return on investment. Victor Guang Shi, Lead, Supply Chain Resilience, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), University of SheffieldCASE STUDY 6 Zero Carbon Humber uses digital twins for decarbonization pathways modelling and infrastructure planningClusters achieve the greatest impact when digital technology providers are deeply integrated in the collaborative process. As trusted partners within industrial clusters, we are positioned to craft digital solutions that unlock significant value, driving performance, sustainability and innovation. This symbiotic relationship ensures that our technology underpins a resilient, transparent and efficient ecosystem, benefiting all stakeholders involved. Thomas Leurent, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Akselos Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies 20

Unleashing the Potential of Industrial Clusters 2025