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Net zero credentials lead to further international collaboration

23 May 2022

 

Establishing the Tees Valley as the go-to place for green technologies has received a further boost through a prestigious international partnership with a leading agency in South Africa.

Teesside University have agreed to establish a formal collaboration with the Department for Science and Innovation in South Africa.

All parties will work together and harness expertise to explore opportunities to position their respective regions at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.

The collaboration, which will also see Teesside University work alongside a number of higher education institutions in South Africa, follows the positive work carried out by the UK2070 Commission’s Teesside Taskforce.

The UK2070 Commission, chaired by Lord Kerslake, was an independent inquiry into national and regional inequalities in the UK, which highlighted the potential for change and an agenda of action to deliver it.

A Teesside Taskforce was set up to examine how certain sectors could increase quality job opportunities in the region and ultimately enhance people’s prospects and wellbeing.

Teesside University contributed several pieces of evidence to the Taskforce and one of the recommendations which resulted was the development of a Clean Growth Strategy to establish further opportunities and investment around net zero.

Work is already underway to construct the University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre – a £13.1 million development which will support the drive for clean energy, grow net zero capabilities and provide specialist facilities and support.

Our University is fully supportive of the drive to put the region at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.

Professor Steve Cummings

Based at the expanding Tees Valley Net Zero Innovation Hub, the project has received £5.2 million in funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and the European Regional Development Fund.

It is part of a wide range of ongoing, collaborative activity around net zero and sustainability, including the Hydrogen Innovation Project and the Tees Valley Renewables Academy.

The Department for Science and Innovation in South Africa was also involved in the UK2070 Commission and the partnership with Teesside University will look to strengthen existing relationships and harness expertise to enhance net zero credentials in both regions.

Professor Steve Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Teesside University, said: “Our University is fully supportive of the drive to put the region at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. Through our Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and the Hydrogen Innovation project we have established a wealth of expertise which will help us drive forward this agenda.

“We are delighted to be working so closely with organisations in South Africa and welcome the opportunity to share learning in order to inform future developments and support the net zero ambitions of our region.”


 
 
 
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