Universities and Saudi partners work to speed up Net Zero progress Published on: 9 December 2024 A consortium of British universities is exploring a collaborative project with partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to create a Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen. The project was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the Gulf. Initially, Âé¶¹´«Ã½, Northumbria, Teesside, Durham and Cranfield universities will work with universities and research institutes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and industrial partners from both nations to accelerate progress towards Net Zero. The initiative aims to educate the next generation of engineers, to develop research and create new businesses that will be key for achieving the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy resources. A delegation from the universities is set to travel to Saudi in the coming months to progress the project. The University partners said: “We welcome the government’s announcement of our intention to collaborate with partners in Saudi Arabia to create the Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen. “By working together to strengthen our international partnerships, our universities are providing the foundation for a research and innovation ecosystem that will put the UK at the forefront of the green energy agenda. This will benefit local communities, create jobs, provide a pipeline of skilled graduates and amplify the global reach of our research.” A spokesperson for Âé¶¹´«Ã½ said: “This renewed government focus on sustainable energy aligns with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The opportunity to partner with Saudi universities builds on the success of their investment in Âé¶¹´«Ã½ United, and our existing relationship with Princess Nourah University, which is based on the development of women in sport.” North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "The North East is an academic and an engineering powerhouse which I am determined should become the home of the green energy revolution. I have worked alongside the Prime Minister to bring together universities in Saudi Arabia and the North East as we build the New Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen and I look forward and seek further green energy investment and opportunities for our region." Share: Latest News Scientists unlock hidden driver of inflammatory bowel disease Scientists have linked a key genetic signal in inflammatory bowel disease to an immune response that shuts down inflammation control, enabling faster diagnosis and targeted treatments. published on: 15 June 2026 Funding system risks limiting genuine community collaboration A new policy paper written by researchers at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ warns that the way UK research is funded may be undermining efforts to create genuinely collaborative partnerships with communities. published on: 15 June 2026 Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Facts and figures