Professor Martin Freer, Director of ERA, said: “The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) welcomes the Government’s Energy Security Strategy, especially commitments to drive hydrogen, nuclear, solar, and onshore wind capacity. However, we must ensure that these ambitions are matched by adequate and appropriate funding to ensure the delivery of the necessary infrastructure, research and skills required for this step change.

“The Midlands is perfectly positioned to drive this transition, with unmatched expertise in driving the hydrogen economy across freight, aviation, rail and heavy industry. In addition, the region is very well placed to support the ambition to boost capacity and skills in nuclear energy; and we also have considerable capabilities in bioenergy, battery technologies, energy from waste and carbon capture and storage technologies.

“ERA stands ready to apply our collective power to meet the energy challenge. With the appropriate public sector funding, the Midlands can develop the UK’s renewable leadership and create high-skilled, high-paid jobs at the same time.”