HEYCA and Tees Valley invite businesses to bid for clean energy innovation funding
The two combined authorities have put out a call for proposals for R&D projects as part of a regional programme backed by £30m in government funding.
The funding is being delivered through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, a collaborative initiative involving Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, the University of Hull, Teesside University, and industry partners.
The latest call for collaborators invites businesses to propose projects focused on clean energy and industrial decarbonisation, with priority areas including offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels, waste-to-X technologies, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
Successful projects will contribute to a wider regional portfolio designed to support long-term economic growth, strengthen local supply chains, and create skilled jobs across the Humber and Teesside.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is managed by UK Research and Innovation and brings together local authorities, businesses and research organisations to develop innovation projects that build on regional industrial strengths.
The programme forms part of the UK government’s wider £86bn research and development funding settlement through to 2030 and supports the delivery of its industrial strategy, which aims to accelerate growth in high-potential sectors across the UK.
Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “The Humber and Teesside have the opportunity to be at the heart of global innovation and investment in clean energy, and this programme will enable our local industry to grasp that opportunity.
“We encourage all relevant businesses to apply to be a part of our portfolio so that we can drive growth and create jobs in the Humber, and show that we can be a truly world-leading region.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our regions are leading the way in developing the technologies that will power the future, and this funding represents a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to be part of that journey.
“By bringing together industry, academia and local leaders from across the Humber and Teesside, we can accelerate innovation, create high-quality jobs and strengthen our position as a global centre for clean energy and the next generation of industry. I’d encourage businesses with bold ideas to come forward and make the most of this support.”
Professor Tom Lawson, vice-chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “This next stage represents an important opportunity to build on the world-class industrial and research strengths that exist across the Humber and Tees Valley.
“Our regions are uniquely placed to lead the UK’s clean energy future – the Humber and Tees Valley are home to some of the UK’s most significant energy and industrial assets.
“Universities play a vital role in helping businesses innovate, providing the expertise, facilities and collaborative partnerships needed to develop new technologies and bring them to market.
“At the University of Hull, we are committed to working with companies across the region to turn ambitious ideas into solutions that deliver economic growth, competitiveness and progress towards clean energy.
“By combining the strengths of industry and academia, we can accelerate the development and adoption of these new technologies, drive investment and create skilled jobs for the future, attracting inward investment and cementing our position at the forefront of clean energy innovation.”
Professor Stephen Cummings, pro vice-chancellor (research and knowledge exchange) at Teesside University, said: “Teesside University is proud to support this investment, strengthening the Tees Valley and Humber’s role as a leading centre for clean energy innovation.
“By working with partners across the region, we will help accelerate industrial decarbonisation, create high-value jobs and attract further investment.”
