Powering the Midlands

Review of Nuclear & Related Industries in the Midlands, January 2023

Review of Nuclear and Related Industries in the Midlands report cover. January 2023, Energy Research Accelerator Logo.

The drive towards net zero by 2050 and the increasing need for energy security requires a massive transformation in the UK energy sector. Aligned with this there is a need to consider next generation nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors, advanced modular reactors and fusion. The Midlands has not historically been a site for the location for nuclear energy generation, but the development of these new technologies is likely to change this.

Review of Nuclear & Related Industries in the Midlands [PDF - 4.3MB] reviews national developments within nuclear and related industries as well as the existing regional expertise and opportunities for growth. This report recommends seven actions which would help ensure that the Midlands Engine benefits maximally from investment and growth in nuclear and related industries over the next two decades.

Smart Energy – An Energy System for the 21st Century, November 2022

Smart Energy – An Energy System for the 21st Century Smart Energy- An Energy System for the 21st Century report cover including logos from Siemens, University of Birmingham, Energy Research Accelerator, City Redi and the Birmingham Energy Institute[PDF -5.3MB] puts forward a plan for the Midlands to become the UK’s first Smart Energy Region, helping tackle both the cost-of-living crisis and climate change. The report calls for a rollout of smart energy systems – including microgrids, electric vehicles and smart meters, to realise potential benefits of:

  • £68bn savings in energy costs from 2022-2050
  • £1.5bn GVA generated for the regional economy
  • Regional CO2 emissions reduced by 106,000kt by 2050
  • £600m generated in exports
  • Creation or support over 7,000 jobs per year

Digital Twin for East Birmingham & TEED, September 2022 

Digital Twin for East Birmingham & TEED Report CoverA ‘digital twin’ that can comprehensively model and test pathways to clean energy and net zero emissions in East Birmingham is being planned in a partnership between the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City Council and Siemens.

A feasibility study has been commissioned which demonstrates how a virtual representation of the energy and transport infrastructure within East Birmingham and Tyseley Environmental Enterprise District (TEED) will help to outline pathways for decarbonisation. 

Digital Twin for East Birmingham & TEED [PDF 12.1MB]

 

Strength in Common: A Just Transition and Recovery in a Post-COVID World, July 2021 

Strength in Common Report CoverThe Birmingham Energy Institute has partnered with Places in Common to produce a report that explores how we can harness the assets of East Birmingham and connect communities to deliver the system change needed to drive net zero, economic resilience and recovery in a post-COVID world.

Strength in Common: A Just Transition and Recovery in a Post-COVID World (PDF - 53MB)

 

 

Hydrogen as a component of City Development report, March 2020

Hydrogen as a component of City Development report cover

The Hydrogen as a component of City Development report estimates that green hydrogen can be competitive with diesel (for transport) at a utilisation factor of 50% and at an average cost per megawatt/hour of between £35 and £55 (dependent on electrolysis technology used).

The study found there are some strong cases for the acceleration of hydrogen-based infrastructure in cities and explored different ways to increase the amount of hydrogen being developed at Tyseley Energy Park.

Hydrogen as a component of City Development report (PDF - 7.4MB)

Digital Manufacturing for Cleantech report, December 2019

Digital Manufacturing for Cleantech Report CoverThis study, conducted by the University of Birmingham as part of the Climate-KIC initiative, explores the opportunity presented by the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator (SMA) project and recommends next steps to maximize the benefits for clean energy innovators.

Digital Manufacturing for Cleantech report (PDF - 2.8MB)

 

                                    

 

ConnectedClusters report, August 2019

ConnectedClusters Report CoverThe ConnectedClusters project is at the start of an ambitious journey to discover how to unlock climate innovation whilst delivering renewal and clean growth in communities across Europe.

A ConnectedCluster offers a concentration of resources, expertise and initiatives that will help meet the Paris climate targets while also reaping social and economic benefits that come with the development and delivery of cleantech solutions

Our researchers and partners assessed five dynamic, city region-based climate innovation clusters where businesses, academics, communities and government work together to deliver low-carbon innovation.

ConnectedClusters report (PDF - 5.6MB)

Power to the People report, June 2019

Power to the People Report CoverPower to the People, produced in partnership with Birmingham City Councillor, Lisa Trickett, and Kingscote, sets out three scenarios that can build upon the established assets and planned developments of the East Birmingham and North Solihull Inclusive Growth corridor.

The recommendations within this report are to establish a co-ordinated, systematic approach to climate innovation in Birmingham, addressing issues such as fuel poverty, energy security, decarbonisation and air quality.

Power to the People report (PDF - 1.6MB)