MP visits energy research programme
Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood visits Aston University for Energy Research Accelerator demonstration
Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood toured Aston University 's Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) to find out more about its work with the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) programme.
The Labour member of Parliament met with Professor Simon Green, pro-vice-chancellor (research) at Aston University, Tim Miller, director of engagement at EBRI and Professor Martin Freer, director of ERA, to learn more about the institute 's links with the ERA and its plans for the future.
The ERA has brought together nine Midlands research intensive organisations including EBRI, which consists of almost 1,5000 researchers with a mission to deliver regional impact in energy and interconnected systems. EBRI leads the '5BIO scheme ' which stimulates innovation and knowledge transfer between businesses, scientists and chemical engineers across renewable biomass, biorefining, bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts.
Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, whose father studied civil engineering at Aston University, said she had enjoyed her afternoon on campus, and supported the work of the ERA.
She said: “It 's incredible to see the work that is undertaken here at EBRI, looking at the different sources of energy and how they could be put to different industrial uses.
“It 's been a great opportunity to find out more about the Institute and the plans for the future of the ERA. It 's great that this world-leading research Institute is within my constituency, and I am looking forward to seeing how the collaboration grows. ”
Professor Simon Green added: “Aston University 's research is known for addressing real world problems and providing practical answers.
“We were delighted to be able to showcase to Shabana the research conducted by EBRI, and to demonstrate how this research translates into practical support for businesses moving towards a low-carbon energy future.
“This is especially topical with COP26 on the horizon. We look forward to welcoming Shabana again onto campus soon. ”
Professor Martin Freer said: “We were delighted to host Shabana at Aston University today, and to show her some of the Energy Research Accelerator 's collaborative work with EBRI.
“The Institute 's world-leading research into new and innovative ways of converting biomass into sources of sustainable energy, using thermochemical, biological and catalytic processes is vital to the UK 's understanding of some of the technologies which will play a huge role in our transition to net zero.
“I want to thank Shabana for her ongoing support of the ERA project - our region is ideally placed to support on the UK 's transition to net zero and Shabana 's championing of these issues, both here in Birmingham and in Westminster, is instrumental in highlighting the wealth of expertise that exists in the Midlands.
“In the run-up to COP26 and as our understanding of the urgency required to meet the challenge of climate change grows, funding for innovation like this, and the research carried out by all of ERA 's partner organisations, is crucial to secure the green future we all want and need to deliver. ”
For more details about EBRI visit this link or to find out more about the ERA, click here.