UK2070 Teesside TaskForce and Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre forge transatlantic dialogue on a Digital Net Zero Centre in the US

The UK2070 Teesside TaskForce has initiated high-level discussions with US partners to explore the establishment of a Digital Net Zero Centre in the United States. This strategic initiative strengthens international collaboration in clean energy, decarbonisation, and digital innovation, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in the Net Zero transition.

Building on the existing partnership between the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) at Teesside University and the Net-Zero Center of Excellence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of I), these discussions set the foundation for a Transatlantic Net-Zero Centre of Excellence. By connecting leading academics, industry experts, and policymakers, the initiative aims to harness digital technologies to drive sustainable transformation at scale.

A Unified Vision for Net Zero Innovation

Professor Stephen Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) at Teesside University, emphasised the role of academia in shaping global sustainability solutions:

'The UK2070 Teesside TaskForce exemplifies how regional expertise can shape global innovation. At Teesside University, we are committed to research and industry engagement that delivers tangible impact.

'By integrating academic excellence with business and government collaboration, we are fostering an environment where breakthrough technologies and skills development drive sustainable change for the energy transition and digital trade. These discussions with our US partners highlight the importance of international collaboration in tackling Net Zero challenges and ensuring that Teesside remains a key player in the global energy transition.'

Professor Michael Henson, UK2070 Commissioner and Chair of the Teesside TaskForce Programme, underscored the strategic significance of these discussions:

'Teesside has always been a powerhouse of industrial innovation, and today, we are laying the foundations for a Net Zero future that will shape generations to come. This initiative is more than a collaboration—it is a statement of intent. By bringing together world-leading expertise across research, industry, and policy, we are forging a transatlantic alliance that will drive clean energy solutions on a global scale. The actions we take today will define the industries, economies, and opportunities of tomorrow.'

Dr Gari Harris, Director of the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) at Teesside University, highlighted the value of international partnerships in advancing local expertise:

'Our discussions with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reflect a shared vision—one where local knowledge and research excellence are linked to global networks of innovation. By exploring the potential for a Digital Net Zero Centre in the US, we are reinforcing Teesside’s position as a leader in Net Zero technology and industry transformation while establishing vital international partnerships that will accelerate the development of sustainable solutions.'

Kevin C. O’Brien, Director of the Net-Zero Center of Excellence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, reaffirmed the importance of cross-border cooperation:

'The Net-Zero Center of Excellence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sees great value in collaborating with the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre at Teesside University. These discussions represent an important step towards establishing the Transatlantic Net-Zero Centre of Excellence, where we can share expertise, research, and technologies to accelerate the deployment of next-generation energy solutions. Together, we are building an international network that spans multiple continents, ensuring that the entire Net Zero value chain benefits from our collective expertise.'

A Transformative Opportunity for UK-US Collaboration

Although still in its formative phase, the Digital Net Zero Centre initiative represents a pivotal step in strengthening UK-US cooperation on clean energy and digital transformation. As talks progress, Teesside University and the University of Illinois will work closely with industry leaders, policymakers, and global partners to develop a framework that translates this ambition into action.

This initiative aligns with the UK2070 Commission’s mission to ensure that regional innovation plays a central role in the global Net Zero transition. By advancing these discussions, Teesside and its international partners are laying the groundwork for a new era of digital Net Zero collaboration.

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