The NNZA brings together the research and innovation expertise of regional academic partners with the insights of our industrial, private, public, and third sector collaborators.
About us
Our Priority Areas
We are seeking enduring partnerships across the North East, Teesside, and Humber to translate net-zero research innovation into practical solutions that focus on three strategic areas:
Low Carbon Energy Generation
Advancing bioenergy, geothermal, hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind, subsea, photovoltaic energy, and other sources of low carbon energy.
Energy Storage and Distribution
Developing batteries, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen for excess energy storage.
Integration into End Use Sectors
Strengthening grid networks, industrial decarbonisation, net-zero/circular economy transitions (products, supply chains, and end-users), and transport solutions.
Our Academic Partners
The Northern Net Zero Accelerator (NNZA) partners with leading universities in the North East, Teesside, and Humber to advance low-carbon innovation. These institutions provide essential expertise in engineering, energy, and environmental science, supporting research and skill development for a just transition to net zero. Together, they drive sustainable growth and resilience across the region.
We exist to advance education and research and to help society tackle the many challenges it faces.
We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference, globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.
To advance education, scholarship, knowledge and understanding by teaching and research, for the benefit of individuals and society at large.
We change lives through education and research, tackling the Global Challenges of our age to transform society and the economy.
The University of Sunderland is a life-changing University, known for its long-established commitment to widening participation, world-leading research, and public and private sector collaborations.
Embracing our rich industrial heritage, we are decarbonising industries and working towards a net zero future, through collaborative industry partnerships for our region, the UK, and beyond.
Our people
Explore how we’re advancing clean energy solutions and seamlessly connecting them to end-use sectors for a more sustainable future.
