Initially, Newcastle, Northumbria, Teesside, Durham and Cranfield universities will work with universities and research institutes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and industrial partners from both nations to accelerate progress towards Net Zero.
The initiative aims to educate the next generation of engineers, to develop research and create new businesses that will be key for achieving the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy resources.
A delegation from the universities is set to travel to Saudi in the coming months to progress the project.
The University partners said: ‘We welcome the government’s announcement of our intention to collaborate with partners in Saudi Arabia to create the Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen.
‘By working together to strengthen our international partnerships, our universities are providing the foundation for a research and innovation ecosystem that will put the UK at the forefront of the green energy agenda. This will benefit local communities, create jobs, provide a pipeline of skilled graduates and amplify the global reach of our research.’
Developing a new Joint International Institute consolidates Teesside’s ambitions in both our international and green agendas and further formalises our commitment to delivering net zero energy solutions at pace.
A spokesperson for Teesside University said: ‘Net Zero is a research priority at Teesside, as we work to shape a cleaner, greener future which will be transformative for our region, the UK and beyond.
‘To develop our position internationally we need to engage with universities and research organisations in countries where some of the biggest opportunities for impact lie.
‘Developing a new Joint International Institute consolidates Teesside’s ambitions in both our international and green agendas and further formalises our commitment to delivering net zero energy solutions at pace.’
We invite businesses to join forces with the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre on this transformative journey. Together, we will accelerate innovation, shape sustainable practices, and forge a path toward net zero emissions. Let's create a legacy that resonates locally and inspires globally.
*The Net Zero project is receiving up to £8.85m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
