Sheffield centre keeping at the forefront of the rapidly growing clean energy market

The University of Sheffield’s Translational Energy Research Centre is still to be fitted and equipment to be installed, but is expected to be open in June next year.

The project has been funded by BEIS (£7m) and the European Regional Development Fund (£10m) and will form part of the newly launched Energy Institute, home to more than 300 academics.

The facility will give global companies and new technology start-ups access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and the opportuni ty to collaborate with leading academics in low-carbon energy research.

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Not only will it help UK businesses keep at the forefront of the rapidly growing clean energy market but will be fundamental in ensuring the UK can meet its commitments to net zero emissions by 2050.

Project manager Matthew Jee said: “It is fantastic to have seen the building rise from its foundations to its final shape as we complete the construction phase.

"The fact that we are on time and have an excellent result despite these challenging times is a testament to all involved. We look forward to the next phase of the project - the installation of specialist infrastructure and our exciting research equipment.”

Keith Lilley, Director of Estates and Facilities Management at the University of Sheffield, said: “It’s great to see another successful development.This adds further to the success of our academic engineering research and AMRC activities which attracts businesses to locate in the Sheffield City Region.”

The £4.4m, 16,114 sq ft state-of-the art, development was completed by JF Finnegan.

MD Gary Smith said : “We are delighted that this is the fourth h igh q uality unit we have constructed for The University of Sheffield on their Innovation District on Europa Avenue .

" Our project team have had to manage not just the project but also the implications of the p andemic and the new safe working guidelines and requirements this has created. We are proud to have completed the scheme in accordance with our client’s requirements.”

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