Universities join forces with Saudi partners to accelerate progress towards Net Zero

09 December 2024

A consortium of British universities is exploring a collaborative project with partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to create a Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen. The project was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the Gulf.

Hydrogen laboratories at Teesside University

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.

Teesside University spokesperson

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.’

Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre