The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) is an energy sector respected and long established partnership of eight research intensive universities in the Midlands Innovation group (Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Warwick) and the British Geological Survey.
ERA is actively involved in developing energy policy and supporting wider energy initiatives in the Midlands, working closely with organisations such as the Midlands Engine.
Our Industrial Advisory Board includes 12 senior representatives from industry, and ensures that its work is always closely aligned to the needs of industry.
£60m investment from Innovate UK, which attracted a further £120m of industrial and university investment that has been used to create cutting-edge research facilities and demonstration projects around the Midlands
The ERA Industrial Advisory Board includes 12 senior representatives from industry including Siemens, ITM Power, Engie, EDF, Cadent, Centrica, National Grid, Renewable Energy Association.
ERA has engaged with over 1,400 researchers, many of whom are working with businesses, enabling cuting-edge knowledge and expertise to be transferred.
The success of ERA resulted in two further universities, Cranfield and Keele, becoming members. The integration of the Keele University HyDeploy project, which is associated with hydrogen deployment into the gas grid, and Cranfield University’s hydrogen production project (HyPER) into the ERA network, has enabled us to further develop activity in the hydrogen economy, smart networks and living labs.
ERA is enabling a place-based collaboration between regional universities, the Midlands Engine and other organisations, building long-term partnerships between regionally based researchers, businesses and civic organisations.
ERA worked with the Midlands Engine to draft the Ten Point Plan for Green Growth, and a Review of Nuclear and Related Industries in the Midlands. These are helping to shape regional energy strategies.
