A £20m partnership to develop novel low-carbon technologies has been signed by the UK and China.
The three-year programme will support research into low-carbon manufacturing processes and technologies, low-carbon cities and offshore renewables after officials from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in London.
Under the deal the UK and China will each commit £10m of matched resources over the next three years, with approximately £6.6m available each year to help develop new technology.
The deal was signed by officials from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), as part of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) Energy Programme, witnessed by Climate Change Minister Greg Barker.
Professor Li Ming, deputy director of the Department of Engineering and Materials Sciences at NSFC, said: “In the past few years, NSFC and RCUK have witnessed substantive development of their bilateral relationship and enjoyed successful collaboration in the area of energy research. We look forward to continuing the collaboration and bringing more benefits to the two scientific communities.”
Professor David Delpy, EPSRC chief executive, said: “This latest agreement addresses how to develop new low-carbon methods of manufacturing, urban living and energy production.
“Meeting the needs of industry and consumers, while reducing the demands humankind places on the environment, are similar challenges for both China and the UK. International collaborations like these bring the best academic talents together to find the solutions that can benefit all.”
Welcoming the programme, Minister of State for Climate Change Greg Barker said: “I am very pleased to witness the next stage of this ambitious programme.
“Investing in innovation and science is essential for both the UK and China to address energy supply issues and meet emissions targets, as well as drive long-term economic growth. In the UK we have ring-fenced a science budget worth £4.6bn per year, and invested £29m in joint projects with China.”
