Clean energy projects funding 'great opportunity'

Jonny ManningNorth East and Cumbria
Teesside University The Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough. It is a large bridge made of blue steel. Blue flowers grow in the foreground.Teesside University
Teesside's ports will be used to help develop new clean technology

Funding to develop clean energy projects has been hailed as a "fantastic opportunity" for a region.

The Tees Valley - Hull and East Yorkshire Partnership has been given £30m from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to support clean energy businesses and boost decarbonisation efforts.

It is hoped the investment from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) will create new jobs and attract further investment into north-east England, Yorkshire and the Humber.

Teesside University's pro vice-chancellor, Prof Steve Cummings, said the funding would speed up the development of new technology and grow the supply chains needed to underpin further growth.

"Winning this bid is a fantastic opportunity for our region," he said.

"This collaboration brings together the expertise, ambition and commitment needed to drive real innovation and ensure our region is at the forefront of the UK's transition to a cleaner, more resilient economy."

The partnership is made up of Teesside University, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and the University of Hull.

It will see the region's ports and energy infrastructure used to develop the new technology and allow it to be trialled on real industrial sites.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the partnership would "drive ambitious economic growth and deliver transformative, long-term benefits for communities across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool".

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