Five collaborative network projects from across the UK pioneering green transport technologies have each secured £1m in research funding.
The academic and industry partnership projects, which include research into electric planes, hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and wireless charging points, are seen as key to meeting the government's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
The £5m in funding for the networks has come from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of the UK Government funded UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The projects:
Network-H2: A Network for Hydrogen-Fuelled Transportation
Led by Professor Tony Roskilly of Durham University, the project will share knowledge to support the development of a hydrogen-fuelled transport network – with the potential to deliver significant environmental benefits.
Decarbonising the UK’s Freight Transport
Led Dr Tristan Smith of University College London (UCL), the project aims to unleash significant investment for freight decarbonisation.
The network will explore how to clean up heavy goods vehicles and other freight vehicles, by using clean technologies and fuels.
Decarbonising Transport through Electrification (DTE), a Whole System Approach
Led by Professor Liana Cipcigan of Cardiff University. the network aims to identify challenges to an integrated, cross-sector electrified transport system, looking at energy networks, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, electric and hybrid aircraft and the electrification of the rail network.
The university will work alongside academics at Bristol University with industry backing from luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin.
NewJet Network+
Led by Dr Simon Blakey, University of Birmingham, the network will explore the barriers that face the adoption of low carbon, synthetic fuel and the benefits of its adoption for commercial aviation.
DecarboN8 – An Integrated Network to Decarbonise Transport
Led by Professor Gregory Marsden, University of Leeds, the network will seek answers to questions on how different places can be rapidly switched to low carbon transport systems and how this transformation can be managed - facilitating new collaborations and test solutions.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “A modern, advanced transport system is one that connects people to jobs while boosting economic growth and productivity.
"But with transport representing almost a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gases, the industry has to evolve as we stride towards our 2050 net zero emissions pledge.
“Bringing together some of the brightest minds from all corners of the UK, these transport networks will boost the development of technologies that have the potential to clean up our transport systems – so we can cycle, drive and even fly into a greener future.”
UKRI chief executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said: “Transport is the biggest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, and globally it is the fastest growing contributor to climate emissions.
“Adapting our transport systems to low carbon technologies is vital to the future health of the planet, and the networks today will undertake crucial work in preparing the UK for this transformation.”
