UKRI Net-Zero Grants: Accelerating the Green Economy
As part of its ‘Building a Green Future’ strategic theme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is making significant strides towards achieving net zero in the UK by 2050. Under its ‘Accelerating the Green Economy’ program, UKRI is granting £25 million to five new green industry centres across the UK. This initiative is a crucial step in supporting research and innovation that unlocks solutions essential to a sustainable future.
The REACT Centre: Pioneering Sustainable Electronics
One of the standout beneficiaries of this funding is the £5.5 million Responsible Electronics and Circular Technologies Centre (REACT), located in Scotland’s central belt. As the UK’s first centre dedicated to sustainable electronics manufacturing and design, REACT is set to revolutionise the industry.
REACT’s mission is to drive the transition to net-zero electronics by addressing both environmental and economic challenges. The centre promotes the adoption of green technologies through collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. This four-year project is spearheaded by the University of Glasgow, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, and Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult in Scotland.
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Tackling Industry Challenges
The electronics industry, traditionally driven by technical and economic considerations, often overlooks sustainability principles. This oversight has led to significant challenges, including large amounts of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), high emissions across the supply chain, and the extensive use of critical raw materials (CRMs) like gold, palladium, and indium, which have limited reserves.
Scotland’s electronics industry is a vital component of the regional economy, contributing to economic growth, environmental commitments, and national security comprising:
- 130 companies
- 10,300 staff
- Annual turnover of more than £2.8 billion
Adapting to New Demands
As manufacturers and buyers increasingly demand decarbonised products and legislative pressures grow, the industry must adapt. “The Centre will unite leading researchers to drive the industry’s transition toward a net-zero economy,” says University of Glasgow professor Jeff Kettle, who leads the REACT Hub. The primary focus will be on developing solutions to reduce electronic waste, minimise reliance on critical raw materials, and reduce carbon footprints.
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Expertise and Collaboration
The REACT team boasts extensive expertise in areas such as electronic materials, design, manufacturing and assembly, environmental impact, supply chain management and business modelling. “REACT will leverage its partnerships to translate research into practical applications, boosting both the region’s and the UK’s global competitiveness in the sector,” says professor Bing Xu of Heriot-Watt University.
REACT will collaborate with SMEs in the region to develop demonstrators and market-led solutions, providing skills training. The Compound Semiconductor Catapult in Scotland will offer access to equipment and expertise to support start-ups, SMEs, large organisations, and academia in advancing compound semiconductor technology integration.
Driving Change and Innovation
“REACT will bring together industrial partners and the supply chain of companies, proactively communicating to the wider public and driving change at a governmental level,” says professor Jason Love of the University of Edinburgh. The centre’s work is expected to yield key benefits, including reductions in e-waste, improved energy efficiency, and cost savings through greener manufacturing processes.
Additionally, REACT will foster public-private partnerships to drive these innovations, focusing on co-creation, outreach, and advocacy. Through conferences, workshops, and applied research projects, the centre aims to reshape the electronics industry in Scotland’s Central Belt, transforming it into a sustainability model for the global market.
By focusing on net-zero grants and the pivotal role of the REACT Centre, UKRI is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.