A partnership with net zero ambitions
We're working with our Northern Net Zero Accelerator partners to drive innovation and regional economic growth.
Project summary
The Challenge
Decarbonisation in the highest CO2 emitting regions of the UK is key to achieving Net Zero and sustainable economic growth.
The Approach
A pioneering programme, committed to decarbonising the North East, Teesside, and Humber regions through innovation and integration.
The Outcome
A Net Zero partnership that will build economic growth for the North East, Teesside and Humber regions.
Institutes and centres
Lead academics
Project funded by
Project Partners
We're collaborating in a £5m research initiative
Building on low carbon research to address regional energy security and boost sustainable UK economic growth.
The Challenge
Collectively, the North East, Teesside and Humber (NETH) is the largest generator of industrial carbon emissions in the UK, so regional decarbonisation is key to the UK achieving its Net Zero ambitions. This is reflected in the prominence of energy and Net Zero in the strategic plans of multiple, regional civic bodies and in the complementary research strengths of the six academic institutions based in the NETH region.
There is a wealth of expertise relating to Net Zero and the energy transition in the university partners. Decarbonisation is a complex and major challenge, requiring focused collaboration and consistent mechanisms to translate that expertise into meaningful action.
The Approach
Supported by the EPSRC's Place-Based Impact Accelerator Account funding stream, the Northern Net Zero Accelerator will make, collate and translate knowledge from research on Net Zero technologies, policy, energy and industrial systems, to deliver impact in partnership with regional industry, civic bodies and the third sector. The partnership will work together, towards a strong economy, and an improved environment, which is fair, and creates inclusive opportunities.
The solutions to reducing industrial emissions are complex and multidisciplinary. Working together provides a great opportunity to find effective solutions, support the regions’ companies, meet civic priorities and build new collaborations.Professor James Gilbert
Energy and Environment Institute Director, University of Hull
The Impact
The Northern Net Zero Accelerator will boost the translation of research into applications and actions through collaboration with civic, industry and third sector partners. The team will seek to support innovation clusters and supply chains within the region to maximise impact.
As the project progresses, the team will hold stakeholder engagement events as well as create case studies to promote successes, key learnings, and the benefits of strategic partnership.
A range of skills development activities will be rolled out to equip academics with essential skills for a thriving net-zero economy.
The projects programme will support academics wishing to progress the commercialisation of their Net Zero innovations in partnership with civic, industry and third sector partners. These will vary from projects in the early stages of commercialisation or policy development through to supporting new products or processes through to implementation. The diverse range of Northern Net Zero Accelerator impacts will help drive economic growth and decarbonisation in the NETH region and the wider UK.
Northern Net Zero Accelerator
Visit the NNZA website for more information on funding, including guidance for applicants.
