Archibald announces £15m investment in zero-emission transport and energy innovation
Date published:
Belfast Harbour is to become a live environment for testing the next generation of zero-emission transport and energy systems through a £15m investment announced by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
The funding comes from UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and is the second project announced from the £30million allocation to the Belfast-Derry Innovation Corridor.
The Zero Emissions Transport and Energy Cluster (ZETEC), led by Artemis Technologies, will connect electric vessels, high-power marine charging, autonomous transport and energy systems through secure digital twin technology.
Testing these technologies together in an operational port setting will generate evidence on how they perform as an integrated system and help reduce barriers to commercial adoption.
Minister Archibald said: “This £15m investment is a significant boost for our growing zero-emission transport and energy sector. By bringing together expertise in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies and cyber security, ZETEC will help turn cutting-edge innovation into practical, commercially viable solutions.
“Supporting innovation and accelerating the development of new technologies is central to building a more productive and sustainable economy, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening our position in these important industries.”
LIPF is a central pillar of the British government's commitment to achieve growth in every postcode. It brings together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths to create new jobs, drive innovation-led productivity, and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said: “ZETEC is a critical Local Innovation Partnerships Fund project in Northern Ireland to bring clean transport to market faster by reducing risks and supporting the adoption of electric and autonomous technologies.
“This builds on local strengths and knowledge to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth.”
Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies commented: “We've always focused on turning innovative technologies into practical solutions that deliver real-world impact.
“Through ZETEC, we're collaborating with leading partners to demonstrate how electric vessels, charging infrastructure and digital technologies can work together to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient transport."
Notes to editors:
1. PHOTO CAPTION: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with Dr Iain Percy Chief Executive Officer, Artemis Technologies; Emma McKenna Head of Sustainable Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC); Joe Devlin Corporate Development Manager at Energia Group; Mike Dawson People & digital transformation Director, Belfast Harbour; and Dr Katrina Thompson Director, UK Digital Twin Centre
2. LIPF is a flagship UK government programme, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), investing £500 million to strengthen innovation economies across the UK. It is a central pillar of the government’s commitment to achieve growth in every postcode. It brings together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths, create new jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.
3. The project is led by Artemis Technologies. Delivery partners include Belfast Harbour, Digital Catapult / UK Digital Twin Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and the Centre for Secure Information Technologies.
4. The project was approved by the local LIPF Innovation Panel, comprising representatives from academia, industry and government.
5. About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - Its mission is to advance knowledge, to improve lives and to deliver growth. They are the largest public funder of research and innovation in the UK, with an annual budget of around £9bn. It is composed of seven disciplinary research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. www.ukri.org
6. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office: pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
8. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.