How might Mars supercharge a UK green transition?

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

2025 is the start of a new world order, defined in large part by President Trump. 

Trump 2.0’s MAGA agenda is marked by some seismic shifts: From multilateralism to expansionism (into new territories); from energy security to fossil fuel proliferation; from globalism to protectionism and trade wars.

By contrast, China has had a steady economic plan in place for over a decade now. Their unfaltering vision has made them a  world leader in green industries and has secured international partnerships through its Belt and Road Initiative.  

• Producing over 80% of the world's solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

• Manufacturing over 50% of all Electric Vehicles and batteries worldwide.

• Controlling 85% of the global rare earth processing capacity, critical for technologies such as EV motors, wind turbines, and electronics

• Global dependence on Chinese supply chains, rare earths and production.

Meanwhile, the EU is now playing catch up with its green and digital transformation industrial policy. 

Comparing the plans of the three economic superpowers, and the growing demand for climate action, you might conclude that China’s plan, its resources, and international partnerships will continue its steady rise to global green economy dominance, while the EU and the US will continue to diminish in comparison. However, that view does not factor in Mars. 

How the Mars mission could reinvent the US economy

Building a Mars base would require unprecedented collaboration across sectors, aligning U.S. industrial policy to support innovation, and strategic competitiveness. The project could redefine the U.S. economy and its position as a global leader in science and technology for decades to come. It would also give new territories to control (expansionism) and new minerals to mine (Drill baby drill).  

More specifically, it would need: 

• Technological advancements in spacecraft and propulsion 

• Habitat design: that can withstand Mars’ harsh environment.  

• Resource utilisation: technologies to produce water, oxygen, and fuel.

• Energy systems: to power the base. 

• Life support systems for recycling air, water, and waste. 

• Autonomous systems:  AI and robotics for construction, exploration, and maintenance.

A Mars base would cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Funding would have to come from a combination of public investment (NASA, Department of Defence) and private-sector contributions (SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others).  But even with America’s deep pockets this is unlikely to be enough. A more imaginative approach might be to let NATO countries be junior partners on the condition that they increased ‘space and defence’ spending to 5% of GDP.

So, what does this mean for the Industrial strategies of other countries, including the UK?

First up, industrial strategy traditionally refers to government-led initiatives aimed at shaping the structure of a nation's economy, promoting particular industries, and enhancing competitiveness.  The underlying assumption is that economic benefits will trickle-down, a concept that has largely been debunked. Community value needs to factor more strongly in the design of industrial policy. Finally, in a world of increasing likelihood of war and climate disruption, economic security including energy and food security must be higher priorities.   

This suggests a five-part industrial strategy.

1. Do a space deal with the US:

The US space mission offers a huge raft of new industry potentials for the UK including small satellite technology and space robotics, R&D in propulsion systems, and life support technologies.

2. Do a green deal with China: 

Rather than competing with China’s low-cost manufacturing, focus on value-added production, supply chain diversification, and green innovation. Aim to secure access to critical materials and developing alternatives. Collaborate on green finance—including green bonds, carbon trading, and climate investments—will benefit both economies. Partnering with China’s Belt and Road Initiative to co-fund renewable energy projects in developing countries will promote sustainable growth.

3. Do a deal with the EU’s Green Deal and digital industrial strategy: 

Aligning with EU standards opens doors to trade, innovation, and regulatory benefits. Joint projects on renewable energy, like offshore wind farms in the North Sea, as well as hydrogen networks and energy storage, should be top priorities. Acting as a bridge between the EU and the U.S. will strengthen transatlantic cooperation.

4. Build community-based prosperity:

Energy security requires decarbonisation, better efficiency, and building upgrades. Localise energy production through community-owned solar panels and microgrids to increase independence. At the same time, boost food security by investing in regenerative agriculture, vertical farming, and community farms to ensure a stable food supply. Drive collaboration between public and private sectors to manage the transition. Spearhead more progressive taxation and support democratic ownership models for a fairer economy.

It will also be critical to support small green businesses and local economies to drive innovation and create jobs. These strategic actions can forge a path toward a more sustainable, innovative, and equitable future.

5. Position the UK as a high-tech innovator

There are countless technological overlaps between Mars technology – self-sufficiency, truly complete circular systems, renewable, food, water - and Earth-bound sustainability innovation. Let’s position the UK as the global high tech innovator. Raise R&D spending to at least 2.4% of GDP, focusing on space, green energy, and digital infrastructure. Expand tax credits and grants for start-ups and SMEs in strategic sectors. Address workforce shortages in AI, robotics, and green industries by developing training programs. Encourage domestic manufacturing of key components like wind turbine parts and battery cells to strengthen local supply chains.

The technology overlaps between space exploration and green sectors could become the catalyst to innovation and rapid deployment for both.  Any country that sees this and at the same time builds these new economic foundations into the heart of community prosperity, jobs and skills, and national security will prosper as the new world order emerges.