The future of sustainability and transport in the Midlands

Event Information

Big things are happening in our region; we will be home to the country’s first ever inland Freeport and are in the process of pitching for the UK’s second Gigafactory focusing on battery technologies. Transport links will grow exponentially with the creation of the HS2 rail link. With such growth comes responsibility and we’ll explore what this means in terms of the sustainability of our region.

Join us to gain an insight into regional development across the transport sector focused on reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.

The event will be chaired by Prof. Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research, University of Derby

The Gigafactory plans in Coventry

Andy Williams, Director of Business, Investment, and Culture and Coventry City Council

The Midlands is at the heart of the UK automotive industry and home to a powerful automotive cluster with an advanced skills ecosystem. A Gigafactory is vital to the future of automotive production as such facilities produce the latest battery technology, particularly for electric vehicles.

Environment and HS2 and Sustainable Stations – The journey so far

Hannah Leggatt, Senior Environment Manager HS2

HS2 is an economic regeneration project of huge importance. It will aim to serve as a catalyst for growth and help level-up the country, boosting growth in the Midlands and North, reducing carbon emissions and providing reliable travel in a changing climate throughout the 21st century and beyond.

The East Midlands Freeport

David Grant, Professor of Materials Science and Head of Advanced Materials Research Group, University of Nottingham

The Freeport announced at the East Midlands Airport is set to bring significant investment to develop and drive innovation, including alternative energy sources and green technologies, providing support to SMEs and large regional employers.

Innovation opportunities on the path to Net Zero

Robert Evans, CEO Cenex

SMEs are often responsible for breakthrough innovation and are currently a major influence in the transport and distribution sector. Hear from the Low Carbon and Fuel Cells Centre of Excellence (Cenex), an independent non-profit research and consultancy that helps private and public sector organisations devise Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) strategies.

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