University of Nottingham: Energy Research Accelerator Chief Executive Gordon Waddington to leave at the end of March

This money is being used in order to undertake innovative research, develop the next generation of energy researchers and develop and demonstrate low-carbon technologies that can help to shape the future of the UK’s energy landscape.

The funding has been invested into a wide range of energy research projects being run by the ERA partners, which include the Midlands Innovation universities of Aston, Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick, and also the British Geological Survey (BGS).

World class researchers
Speaking about the achievements of the Energy Research Accelerator, Gordon Waddington said: “As I have often said, the challenge of climate change is undoubtedly the greatest of our generation. I am very proud of the work that ERA is doing through its world-class researchers and business partners, to address this vital issue.

“ERA has come a very long way over the last two years, from putting forward the business case to government, through to securing significant funding and now delivering our commitments. We are developing large-scale demonstration projects, installing cutting-edge research equipment, and creating new facilities and buildings where innovation can take place.
We also now have a full team in place which is managing and monitoring the ERA projects, so I feel it is in very safe hands and the right time for me to step aside.”

Great leadership
Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of Warwick University, and Chairman of Midlands Innovation, said: “I would like to thank Gordon for the great leadership he has given to the Energy Research Accelerator over the last two years. Gordon’s personal commitment and passion to ERA has placed it strongly as a key initiative under Midlands Innovation.

“ERA is progressing very well, with lots of the projects and facilities now operational across the Midlands. I’m confident that it will continue to deliver the innovative solutions that are vitally important to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the development of green energy technologies.”

ENDS

For more information about this press release, please contact Helen Turner, Director of Midlands Innovation on h.turner@midlandsinnovation.org.uk or 0115 7484755

The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA)
ERA is a key programme within Midlands Innovation, consisting of a consortium of six research intensive universities (Aston, Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick), and the British Geological Survey, which has the overall aim of harnessing the Midlands’ combined research excellence and industry expertise to play a critical role in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the UK.

Via Innovate UK, the government has committed an initial capital investment of £60m, and ERA has secured private sector co-investment of £120m. ERA’s initial priorities of Geo-Energy Systems, Integrated Energy Systems and Thermal Energy will help deliver the new technologies and behaviours that will open the avenues for its future development and demonstrate the transformative effect ERA can have across the energy spectrum.

Midlands Innovation
Midlands Innovation is a world-class research and innovation partnership, combining the collective excellence of eight leading universities in the heart of the UK – Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick. It unites the power of university research with the unique strengths of Midlands industry to drive cutting-edge research, innovation and skills development.