Freeport unveils plans for zero carbon innovation centre

Plans for a multimillion-pound zero carbon innovation centre, which aims to transform green research into commercial products, have been unveiled by East Midlands Freeport.The innovation centre will be brought forward by the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University, which will be matching the East Midlands Freeport’s investment.As part of the University of Nottingham’s science-based carbon reduction target to reach Net Zero by 2040, the scheme will provide the necessary technology and laboratories to progress research in electrification, hydrogen propulsion systems and advanced manufacturingProfessor Tom Rodden, pro-vice-chancellor for research and knowledge exchange at the University of Nottingham, said: “With world-class facilities and research, this innovation centre will enable us to collaborate more closely with industry to accelerate the translation of zero carbon research into real-world solutions.”This will not only help tackle the climate crisis but also deliver economic benefits to the East Midlands, as new businesses bring quality jobs to our region. The goal is for the East Midlands to become a global model for a flourishing zero carbon economy.”Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough University’s pro vice-chancellor for research and innovation, added: “We look forward to working with our colleagues at the University of Nottingham and bringing our combined strengths together in renewable energy and hydrogen to help accelerate progress towards achieving Net Zero emissions.”The UK’s only inland Freeport has also revealed that it has attracted £150m of investment, signed off more than £5m to fund the first two of seven initial projects designed to level up the region and created 200 jobs.”Today marks a big milestone for East Midlands Freeport as we start to deliver on our objectives and invest in major projects like the innovation centre to boost skills and jobs across the region,” said Tom Newman-Taylor, chief executive, East Midlands Freeport. “It’s only nine months since we received government approval but we’re building real momentum.”We’ve seen significant interest from major investors, the extension of the window for businesses to claim tax benefits on our sites announced in the Autumn Statement and the government’s £4.5bn Advanced Manufacturing Plan. This all combines to make East Midlands Freeport an extremely compelling place to invest.”Creating the innovation centre is another piece of that puzzle. It will help to increase access for businesses to our world leading universities’ R&D capabilities, create new technologies to tackle climate change, boosting skills for future generations, and increase the attractiveness of the region to investors.”We’re already getting interest from global companies who recognise the strength of research and knowledge which resides in the East Midlands.”