The Energy Research Accelerator, a partnership between six Midland universities which is aiming to revolutionise energy provision in the manufacturing sector, has appointed former Rolls Royce executive Gordon Waddington as its chief executive.
Mr Waddington鈥檚 appointment follows the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of an initial 拢60 million funding for the Midland-based energy research and development hub, as a founding project of the Midlands Engine for Growth programme.
His appointment represents a key milestone for the partnership between the six Midlands Innovation research universities - Aston, Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick - and the British Geological Survey, which is set to drive acceleration in the impact of energy research in the 海角视频.
Sir David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham and chairman of Midlands Innovation, said: 鈥淭he appointment of Gordon Waddington is a significant milestone, not only for ERA but for the Midlands as an Engine for Growth.
鈥淕ordon鈥檚 expertise will strengthen and deepen ERA鈥檚 partnerships with industry, academic and local business communities, including the new Energy Systems Catapult that will be located in Birmingham.鈥
Mr Waddington brings 40 years鈥 of engineering, strategy and leadership experience to the ERA partnership, including 36 years at Rolls Royce, where he was chief engineer for the Typhoon engine project and led the company鈥檚 civil nuclear new build programme.
He said: 鈥淏y building on the Midlands鈥 industrial heritage and technical expertise, ERA will not only help ensure the region maintains its position as a manufacturing and innovation hub, but can create jobs and wealth to fulfil its potential as an Engine for Growth.鈥
Dr Helen Turner, director of Midlands Innovation, added: 鈥淕ordon鈥檚 experience in building partnerships combined with his strategic vision and industry knowledge will be key to overcoming the challenges that can hold innovation back from delivering on its potential.鈥
ERA is aiming to bring together the very best in energy research, building on the Midlands鈥 extensive industrial base to tackle the biggest energy challenges, such as decarbonising transportation and manufacturing, and making best use of the energy wasted in heating and cooling.
A key part of ERA鈥檚 remit will be to deliver new products, investment, jobs and growth to establish the 海角视频 as the global leader in energy development as well as foster the next generation of leading talent to maintain that position.
Mr Waddington鈥檚 role will initially focus on establishing ERA鈥檚 partnerships with the wider academic, business and industry communities, as well as the necessary governance structure to ensure it is ready to deliver on its aims.
In addition to the 拢60 million announcement by the Government, the project has already secured tens of millions of funding from a coalition of industry backers including Jaguar Land Rover, Schlumberger, Siemens and SMEs Blueprint and the Dearman Engine Company.
Sir David Greenaway added: 鈥淓RA is uniquely placed to deliver in the timeframe required for the 海角视频 to meet its carbon reduction targets and stay ahead of competitors.
鈥淚t will transform the existing knowledge base to become the first truly embedded cross disciplinary research hub, working in collaboration with industry to drive jobs and growth.鈥
