Hull takes next step in clean energy journey with new engineering facilities

The programmes will equip graduates to address major regional and national challenges – from offshore wind and renewable energy developments to flood resilience and sustainable infrastructure.

Supported by a £2.4 million grant from the Office for Students (OfS), the new laboratory provides hands-on industry relevant facilities designed to give students the practical skills and experience to succeed in this rapidly growing and critical sector.

Designed in collaboration with industry, the programmes support the development of a skilled workforce to drive regional growth in line with the Local Skills Improvement Plan which identified an urgent need for engineering construction skills in the region.

Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Interim Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “The University of Hull is committed to working in partnership with Mayoral Combined Authorities, with local authorities, industry and all our communities to respond to the challenges and opportunities we collectively face.

“Recognised as the UK’s energy estuary, the Humber is home to its most carbon intensive industrial cluster, and a region with transformational potential to lead the transition to clean energy. The region is home to the UK’s second most flood-susceptible city and fastest eroding coastline.

“With our partners we are preparing new generations of innovators, problem solvers and future makers. Our civil engineering programmes will equip the region with the skills and infrastructure it needs to seize those opportunities and address those challenges.

“This investment in new facilities reflects our shared ambition to build a flexible, highly skilled workforce capable of powering the region’s clean energy future.”

OfS capital funding is targeted at bids addressing the government’s Industrial Strategy and priority sectors for growth or meeting the needs of local employers and regional economies.

Plans to accelerate clean energy innovation and create high value jobs across the Humber, developed by Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, the University of Hull and industry partners, were recently awarded early-stage government approval.