Ground-breaking energy production and industrial resilience projects across Hull and East Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive up to £30 million in government backing, as part of a major national drive to strengthen the UK’s energy security and accelerate low‑carbon innovation.
The government has confirmed that Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority have been selected to receive funding through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The investment will support a new collaborative programme that harnesses the collective strengths of the Humber and Teesside regions to turn next‑generation energy technologies into real‑world solutions.
The funding will underpin an ambitious energy production and industrial resilience programme, building on the areas’ major ports, Freeport status, and world‑leading energy infrastructure. The initiative aims to help businesses progress technologies such as carbon capture, low‑carbon hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from concept through to commercial deployment.
By focusing on large‑scale delivery, the programme will support major infrastructure projects, unlock new manufacturing opportunities, drive skills development, and strengthen regional supply chains. This integrated approach is designed to attract private sector investment while creating high‑quality, future‑facing jobs across both regions.
The programme demonstrates a significant step forward in regional collaboration. Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority is working closely with a wide range of industry, academic and innovation partners, including the University of Hull, Humber Energy Board, Humber Freeport, and CATCH UK.
Local partners from Hull and East Yorkshire and Tees Valley will now work with UKRI to co‑design projects that are ready to absorb this investment. Each initiative will build on existing regional strengths in energy, advanced manufacturing and logistics, maximising economic impact and accelerating delivery.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is designed to connect local government, businesses and research organisations, enabling practical innovation that improves productivity, grows jobs and enhances everyday lives. By focusing on place‑based strengths, the fund ensures investment is targeted where it can deliver the greatest long‑term value.
Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said:
“The Humber has an important role in the UK’s energy system, and this is an opportunity to build on that strength.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our local partners, alongside Tees Valley Combined Authority, to bring in new investment, drive growth and create more high-skilled jobs across the region.”
This latest announcement forms part of the government’s record £86 billion research and development settlement through to 2030, reinforcing innovation as a cornerstone of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. The strategy prioritises high‑growth sectors and ensures every region benefits from the transition to a more resilient, low‑carbon economy.
With global competition intensifying and the energy transition accelerating, the Humber and Tees Valley regions are strategically positioned to play a central role in the UK’s future energy system. The new funding recognises their importance as national hubs for clean energy production, industrial decarbonisation and advanced engineering.
By enabling collaboration at scale and supporting the commercialisation of emerging technologies, the programme will help secure the UK’s energy supply, grow regional economies and reinforce Britain’s position as a global leader in clean and secure energy.
Image credit: iStock
