Regional partners have progressed to the next stage of the Local Innovation Partnership Fund
A general view of the Humber Bridge – early stage plans to make the Humber a centre of clean energy innovation have been approved(Image: Sofie Jackson – staff)
Ministers have approved early stage plans to make the Humber a centre of clean energy innovation with new jobs. Proposals developed by Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, the University of Hull and industry collaborators could share in £30m of funding, progressing to the next stage of the competitive Local Innovation Partnership Fund.
The consortium’s energy production and industrial resilience programme could receive the national funding to support a group of projects that aim to drive innovation in clean energy technologies. Regional partners include the Humber Energy Board, Humber Freeport, CATCH UK and the University of Lincoln.
UK Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “It is a tribute to the pioneering spirit in every corner of our country that we are backing nations and regions across the UK to advance innovation in everything from defence to AI and clean energy to space tech. Across East Yorkshire, Hull and Tees Valley, the funding will back clean energy innovation, building on these regions’ industrial strengths to support jobs and growth.
“By working with local leaders, researchers, and businesses, we can unleash transformational research and products that improve lives.”
University of Hull interim vice-chancellor, Professor Kevin Kerrigan, said: “This backing recognises the strength of our regional partnerships and the critical role the University of Hull plays in driving economic growth, accelerating technology development and supporting industry to innovate at pace. This is exactly the kind of ambitious, collaborative programme the Humber needs to unlock the next wave of innovation in clean energy. It will support the region’s transition from the UK’s largest carbon emitting industrial cluster to a global exemplar of industrial leadership in this sector.
“The Humber is uniquely positioned to lead the UK’s clean energy transition, but real progress happens when business, academia and civic partners move forward together. This initiative will help create the conditions for high quality jobs, investment and skills to flourish – ensuring our region remains globally competitive.”
The University says the region is ideally placed to lead the country’s clean energy future, with 33% of the UK’s offshore wind capacity, hydrogen and CO2 storage infrastructure and industry keen to decarbonise. Local partners in Hull and East Yorkshire, along with counterparts in the Tees Valley, will now work together with UK Research and Innovation to design projects that target this investment.
Luke Campbell, mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “The Humber has an important role in the UK’s energy system, and this is an opportunity to build on that strength. We look forward to continuing to work with our local partners, alongside Tees Valley Combined Authority, to bring in new investment, drive growth and create more high-skilled jobs across the region.”
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