The University of Bradford has signed a strategic partnership with energy infrastructure expert SSE Energy Solutions to collaborate on education, research, and the implementation of sustainable energy initiatives.
Left-right; Prof. Shirley Congdon, University of Bradford, Nehal Mehta, SSE Energy Solutions, Joanne Beaumont, University of Bradford, and Neil Kirkby, SSE Energy Solutions. Image Credit: SSE Energy Solutions
The partnership aims to use the expertise and resources of both organisations to enhance educational opportunities, foster cutting-edge research, and explore innovative solutions to address the university's energy supply and decarbonisation goals. The collaboration will also focus on developing a talent pool of students and graduates equipped with the skills to enable West Yorkshire and the UK to become leading net carbon economies.
As part of SSE's commitment to championing a fair and just energy transition, the company will work closely with the University of Bradford to foster strong regional relationships and contribute to the economic growth of the West Yorkshire region as part of its Social Value strategy designed to create sustainable cities and communities.
The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also look to challenge inequality through inclusive recruitment practices and initiatives that promote diversity in the energy sector. This includes inspiring low-carbon career education by providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world sustainable energy projects and gain valuable industry experience.
SSE is a member of the West Yorkshire Mayoral Green Task Group, which aims to create green jobs and skills for young people and unites experts from business, education and training, and the third and public sectors.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said:
“We are delighted to sign this new partnership with SSE, which aims to develop further innovation of green technologies, something we feel passionate about at the university.
“We are committed to taking action on sustainability and decarbonisation on our own campus, whilst enabling the development of green skills, jobs and technologies, working closely with the West Yorkshire Mayoral Green Task Group.
“We are excited to establish this partnership and look forward to working with SSE on a range of green opportunities.”
Neil Kirkby, Managing Director of Enterprise at SSE Energy Solutions, said:
“Strategic collaborations like our agreement with the University of Bradford are crucial in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future. By utilising our combined expertise and resources, we can accelerate innovation, create skilled jobs, and unlock the potential of clean energy as a lever for regional growth.
“This partnership is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration in addressing the critical challenges of climate change and shaping a net-zero future for generations to come. We invite other organisations to join us in this vital journey, and we look forward to further discussions on driving sustainable economic growth at the upcoming UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds this week”.
The agreement was officially signed by representatives from the University of Bradford and SSE on Thursday 16 May.