University of Nottingham inaugurates zero carbon innovation centre

The University of Nottingham has unveiled its new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre (ZCIC) in partnership with East Midlands Freeport, Research England, and Loughborough University. The ZCIC aims to spearhead innovation in transport technologies, green hydrogen production, and industry power solutions, while simultaneously creating jobs within the regional economy.

This initiative will enhance the university’s research and development capabilities, specifically in aerospace, automotive, marine, rail, off-highway, and energy sectors. Industry partners collaborating at the ZCIC will gain from both research projects and commercially contracted testing and R&D programmes, benefiting from facilities such as incubator labs and office space to foster collaboration.

Nora Senior CBE DL, Chair at East Midlands Freeport, said during the launch, “The East Midlands Zero Carbon Innovation Centre is a game-changer for businesses looking to develop and scale new technologies. Our five million pounds investment is about more than just funding innovation – it’s about creating a clear pathway for businesses to move from research and development to full-scale operations within the Freeport.” She added, “With the right infrastructure, incentives, and support, companies can accelerate their growth and take their solutions to market faster. This sends a strong message to global industries: the East Midlands is the place to innovate, scale, and lead in the industries of the future.”

The ZCIC is not only an addition to the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus but also features a site at Loughborough University. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for electrical machine manufacturing, robotics, digital twinning, and green hydrogen generation, among others. A new line for electrical machine manufacturing will support low volume, high-value production of advanced machines.

Alex Norris, Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, commented on the regional impact, “I am pleased to see the East Midlands Freeport take a big step forward in driving growth through innovation in transport, a sector in which this region has long been an industrial leader. The new centre will help secure the East Midlands’ role in the future of green transport, accelerate the government’s Plan for Change mission for growth and help deliver on the UK’s ambition to be a clean energy superpower.”

Jane Norman, President and Vice Chancellor at the University of Nottingham, also expressed her enthusiasm about the project, “We are very excited about this partnership with East Midlands Freeport, Research England and the two universities. Together we are expanding the region’s world-class research and innovation capacity to drive growth locally and decarbonise globally. Heavy transport is known as a very hard to decarbonise sector – a challenge that demands the very best and brightest minds. We want the world to know this is the place where those minds come together to develop zero carbon solutions.”

Image: University of Nottingham