Outline plans for The Global Innovation Centre for Energy Transition were presented by TWI, the Granta Park-based engineering consultancy and research organisation, at the event hosted by Peterborough MP Paul Bristow.

The proposed research facility and associated programme of research and development focuses on new technologies for the safe transmission, distribution and use of hydrogen into both industrial and domestic use. The new institute would also work on technology for the safe storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2), as well sustainable fuels for aviation.

The proposals position the Global Innovation Centre as at the core of a high growth energy ‘cluster’, around which it is aimed to bring together large energy companies and a consortium of domestic industrial high energy users such as steel, glass and concrete producers.

The importance of Government funding to unlock future phases of the campus beyond the current three phases was emphasised by partners. The successful track record so far of the delivery of the ARU Peterborough campus includes the second teaching building and Living Lab public science facility, part-funded with £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. It is on track for completion for the new academic year in September as planned.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson said:

“Strong partnership working with the city council and Anglia Ruskin University has delivered the ARU Peterborough campus we see today, and we want to build on that success. It is welcome to see outline proposals to develop the campus further aired at this Parliamentary event, and Government support will be so important in unlocking the future phases of ARU Peterborough. The plans have added relevance with urgent need for new technologies to help the country and the world shift to a net zero carbon future to defend against climate change. I look forward to seeing how these plans develop.”

Read more here.