E.ON has been unveiled as an official partner of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, supporting the ambition of making this summer’s Games most sustainable Games yet.

As the UK’s largest electricity supplier and with more than 10,000 colleagues across the country – the vast majority in the Midlands – E.ON plays a vital role in the growth of the region. This new relationship with Birmingham 2022 seeks to maintain that momentum and provide opportunities for the people, communities and businesses in the Midlands and beyond.

Over the last two years E.ON has created hundreds of new ‘green collar’ jobs as it continues its growth in supplying home energy solutions such as high efficiency heat pumps and home EV charging points, at the same time creating new roles in areas such as energy efficiency, highways lighting and district heating.

The agreement also confirms E.ON as an official partner of the Business and Tourism Programme, the first accredited Commonwealth Games programme of its kind. The programme, being delivered by a range of regional and national partners including the West Midlands Growth Company, builds on the profile of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to cement the West Midlands as a globally sought-after location to visit, invest, trade and live in.

The Games, which is expected to have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion, attract more than one million spectators and welcomes competitors from 72 nations and territories, will also provide an important platform for E.ON to share its abilities to help businesses, communities and entire cities to take action for the climate and to take greater strides towards zero carbon environmental goals.

Michael Lewis, E.ON’s UK Chief Executive, said: “We are proud to be supporting Birmingham 2022, both as a major Midlands employer and also in support of the Organising Committee’s overriding commitment to making these Games the most sustainable yet. Birmingham 2022 can be a catalyst for change across the region and the rest of the country, creating a long-term legacy in taking action for the climate and proving that investing in a zero-carbon future gives us both an economic and an environmental win.

“For our part we are continuing to support the UK’s drive to zero carbon and developing the jobs and skills needed across the country to help decarbonise homes, business, transport systems and entire communities.”

Ian Reid, CEO at Birmingham 2022, said: “We are delighted to have E.ON on board as they join us as an official partner. They are leading the way on the UK’s renewable energy transformation and their sustainable focus fits with our vision to leave a sustainable legacy that lives long after the Games’ closing ceremony. As a Midlands based business that has never forgotten its roots, we are looking forward to working together to inspire fans and athletes as they come to Birmingham and we are thrilled to welcome E.ON to the team.”

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: “As we mark five months to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, we’re pleased to welcome E.ON as an official partner of the Business and Tourism Programme. Headquartered in Coventry and an ambassador for zero-carbon communities, E.ON is seamlessly aligned to our programme objectives to showcase the best of the West Midlands internationally, including its frontier low carbon solutions. We look forward to working closely with the company over the next year.”

Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “We are proud to be partnering with E.ON as they become the Official Energy Partner of Birmingham 2022. Our shared sustainability ambitions are committed to inspiring the next generation of environmentally conscious young people across the West Midlands.

“The Games continues to attract market leaders who are passionate about promoting the city and the region on the world stage – while helping deliver the biggest multi-sport event in the UK since London 2012.”