Ongoing Project

A partnership with net zero ambitions

We're working with our Northern Net Zero Accelerator partners to drive innovation and regional economic growth.

A petrochemical processing plant in Saltend at night

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

Energy and Environment Institute

Lead academics

Professor James Gilbert

Project funded by

Project Partners

Solar panels and wind turbines in a green field

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 full research team

Professor James Gilbert
Energy and Environment Institute Director, University of Hull

Professor Elizabeth Gibson
School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University

Professor David Baglee
Automotive Technology, University of Sunderland

Dr Huashan Bao
Department of Engineering, Durham University

Professor Nashwan Dawood
Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre Research Director, Teesside University

Professor Ian Head
School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University

Dr Hamdi Torun
Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University

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

Priority Areas

The NNZA supports enduring partnerships across the North East, Teesside, and Humber to translate net-zero research into practical solutions that focus on three strategic areas:

Low Carbon Energy Generation

Advancing bioenergy, geothermal, hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind, subsea, photovoltaic energy, and other sources of low carbon energy.

Energy Storage and Distribution

Developing batteries, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen for excess energy storage.

Integration into End Use Sectors

Strengthening grid networks, industrial decarbonisation, net-zero/circular economy transitions (products, supply chains, and end-users), and transport solutions.

Funding is available for activities relating to Projects, Partnerships, People and Promotions. For more information visit the Northern Net Zero Accelerator website.

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.