Thematic Objective 4: Supporting the Shift towards a Low Carbon Economy

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Overview of session

 Why is Low Carbon included?

 What is the Low Carbon thematic objective / priority area?

 How is this being handled by LEPs?

 What opportunity does this offer for HE?

 What we are doing in the North East?

Background to Low Carbon Theme

 Newly included in this round of ESIF  Europe 2020 Strategy  New focus on smart, sustainable and inclusive economies  Low Carbon theme contributes both to  Saving the planet and  Economic development

Overall Aim of Thematic Objective

‘to move England’s economy towards a low carbon model by:  reducing the levels of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions  increasing the share of renewable energy  enhancing the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and transport

Investment Priorities      Promoting research and innovation in/adoption of low-carbon technologies Promoting the production and distribution of renewable energy Promoting low-carbon strategies for all types of territories Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises Supporting energy efficiency, smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructure

Specific areas likely to be supported by ERDF (1):  R&D/innovation:  supply chain work for low carbon technologies and materials  carbon capture and carbon storage  wave and wind energy  smart grids  distributed generation, solar and photovoltaics  heat networks, heat pumps and low carbon heat for energy intensive industries.

Specific areas likely to be supported by ERDF (2):  Innovation Connectors - Centres of Excellence and test facilities, Catapult centres  Renewable technologies in the UK as set out in ‘Renewable Energy Roadmap’  Mitigation and adaptation technologies  Development of low carbon vehicles and fuels  Knowledge transfer with Higher Education/Further Education and Businesses

LEP Plans – Localism and Specialisation

  Each LEP will set out required outputs e.g. no. of business supported, jobs created… NE LEP  £55m for the low carbon economy £16m Durham  £40m Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

 4 strands to low carbon economy, three of which are highly relevant our University:  Innovative technologies and renewable energy    Energy efficiency in buildings Engaging with supply chains for biomass Green infrastructure

Approach so far…

 Real opportunity for:   Business Local Authorities / other relevant organisations  Universities and Colleges / Innovation Connectors  In the North East LEP area have started discussions – building partnerships, gathering ideas, developing momentum  Initial event held in November

Opportunity for HE

 Opportunity to work in partnership  Collaborative research and innovation  Need to start engaging with potential partners  Start working up ideas NOW  Match funding can be RCUK, University own funds, individual salaries  Working with industry likely to be viewed positively by universities - has to align with strategic objective

Over to you?

 What is happening in your region?

 Is this something you think your institutions are aware of / potentially interested in?

 How can you take this forward?

Further Information

 Draft ERDF Operational Programme Priority Axis on page 127) (Low Carbon  HEFCE / UUK webcast on ‘Low Carbon: Structural Funds opportunities for universities’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUc3rhrlQ6M

ESIF Priority Area – Low Carbon UUK Event Sheffield

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