Belfast Harbour is to become a live environment for testing the next generation of zero-emission transport and energy systems through a £15m investment from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF).
This is the second project announced from the £30m 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.
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe 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 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 CEO Prof Sir Ian Chapman added: “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, CEO Artemis Technologies, said: “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.”
Combining a wide span of expertise, the ZETEC project partners are Digital Catapult, Belfast Harbour, Energia Group, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) and Energy Systems Catapult.
Image: Launch of ZETEC in Belfast (source: Artemis Technologies)
