Teesside University net-zero hub ‘will help lead UK’s green revolution’

The Tees Valley is primed to operate at “the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution” with a multi-million-pound innovation hub, academic bosses have said.

Teesside University has cut the ribbon on the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre.

Based at Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park, in Middlesbrough, officials say the £13.1 million site will act as a “national centre of excellence for net-zero technologies”, addressing the climate crisis through industry partnerships, skills development and research.

A number of projects are already underway, including a venture to develop new processes to create recycled workwear and alternative uses for food waste.

The centre is also part of an £11 million Research England-funded project to support hydrogen innovation in the Tees Valley, and is working with South African and US experts on hydrogen research and decarbonisation, respectively.

Dr Gari Harris, Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre director, said: “Our mission is to engage with business and industry and support their net-zero ambitions.

“We already have many ground-breaking projects underway, which will help to create hundreds more clean energy jobs through aligning the university’s expertise with industry need and Government priorities.”

Professor Paul Croney, Teesside University vice-chancellor and chief executive, added: “Our Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre is set to play a leading role in the region, shaping and creating a cleaner and greener future.

“We are confident it will place Teesside firmly at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution.”

The development was backed by £5.2 million funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the European Regional Development Fund.