University of Nottingham
Significant partnerships in climate technology through collaborations spanning academia, industry, and government. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support sustainable manufacturing and low-carbon innovation.
University of Nottingham’s strengths
EarthScale partners play a vital role in unlocking regional strengths and climate innovation opportunities across the UK. The University of Nottingham is one of six regional hubs, offering ventures access to its in-house expertise, specialist facilities, and local innovation ecosystem.
Each hub is supported by a dedicated manager who coordinates tailored support and engagement activities. Explore the University of Nottingham’s strengths below.
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Background
Known for its research-led teaching and international outlook, the University is a member of the Russell Group and is ranked among the top 20 in the UK.
The University of Nottingham is a major international centre for energy research, renowned for its excellence across a broad range of research and technology-based activities.
The University of Nottingham Energy Institute boasts an impressive portfolio of research, development and demonstration built up over 25 years, attracting significant funding from government and industry to deliver high-profile impact.
Energy activities focus on the key societal challenges of ‘Transport and Mobility’, ‘Energy Generation and Management’, and ‘Communities and the Built Environment’.
Regional strengths
- Low-carbon and sustainable manufacturing: particularly in aerospace, automotive and rail. Rolls-Royce and Toyota contribute to research in low-emission propulsion systems, lightweight materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
- Power electronics, electrical machines and drives: crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other renewable energy applications. The University is a national leader in this field.
- Sustainable chemistry and green materials: especially at the University’s Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, which focuses on biodegradable materials and clean synthesis.
- Precision agriculture, low-carbon farming, and sustainable food supply chains: supported by agri-tech accelerators and collaborations with local SMEs.
Established partnerships and facilities
The university works closely with leading manufacturers and industrial partners to co-develop solutions and scale them for commercial use. Examples include:
Revolutionising propulsion for aerospace
H2FlyGHT is a £44m project supported by the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme, enabling University of Nottingham researchers to develop, manufacture and test a revolutionary cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system.
Decarbonising long-haul shipping
Leading the £5.5m MariNH₃ project to investigate the potential of green ammonia (NH₃) to fuel and decarbonise the long-haul shipping industry and boost the UK’s powertrain sector. Partners include Cummins, Rolls-Royce, MAHLE Powertrain and the Department of Transport Maritime and Coastguard Agency, working together to develop disruptive engine technologies, cutting pollution emitted by today’s diesel-powered marine vessels.
Facilities gallery
Local innovation ecosystem
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is accelerating the development of the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) to drive growth in advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries.
EMIZ will support R&D and innovation with local infrastructure investment and tax reliefs, unlocking much-needed sites. It is expected to create 4,300 jobs and leverage approximately £380 million of private investment over the next decade.
Our partners
A national network
Cranfield University
World-class industrial and pilot-scale facilities, including water, clean energy, agriculture, aerospace, automotive and more.
Imperial College
A collaboration between Undaunted and the Imperial Enterprise Lab; world-class research, deep climate expertise and a thriving innovation ecosystem centred in the White City Innovation District.
University of Derby
Their Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Engineering focuses on sustainable engineering solutions, supporting innovation in design, manufacturing, product lifecycle management and more.
University of Exeter
Home to 1500 climate and sustainability experts across 34 specialist environmental institutes and centres of excellence.
University of Leeds
Their Priestley Centre for Climate Futures is a world-leading climate centre that connects its climate experts with businesses, policymakers, and communities to transform how we address climate change.
University of Nottingham
State-of-the-art facilities that support sustainable manufacturing and low-carbon innovation.
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