Aura Innovation Centre
Aura is an initiative of the University of Hull, working with a group of key industry partners, academia, national, local and regional government as well as other key supporters. Their vision is to create a world leading offshore wind research, talent and innovation hub.
The Aura Innovation Centre (AIC) will create a facility focused on proactively promoting and supporting research and innovation in low carbon technologies as well as their adoption through the commercialisation of new and innovative low carbon products and services.
By providing the focal point for interactions between the knowledge base and business, the AIC will create a conducive environment for the strengthening of commercial links between research institutions and industry, as well as helping to change small business attitudes towards innovation.
The Aura Innovation Centre will mark more than £20m of projects that Hobson & Porter has delivered in the offshore wind energy sector.
Hobson & Porter Managing Director, Richard Hunter said: “We’re very excited to have been appointed as the main contractor of this landmark project. The project will be our eighth scheme in the offshore energy sector, which is remarkable considering we have never stepped foot offshore! This is a true reflection of the economic impact the sector is bringing to our region.
“The Aura Innovation Centre will play a huge role in strengthening the region’s reputation as a leader in offshore wind innovation, bringing together the major players in the industry to foster a collaborative and forward-thinking culture in a world-class research facility. But it will also demonstrate the fantastic opportunities available to land-based contractors looking to become involved in the offshore sector.
“The sector has a very exciting future in the Humber region and we want to play our part by working on schemes that contribute positively to this. We are a business which was established in the early 70’s, when the North Sea fishing industries played a huge part in the economic footprint of our area. This relatively new, fast-emerging market is testament to the hard work and collaboration of key decision makers in the region and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Construction of the Aura Innovation Centre is underway and is expected to be completed next year. The centre will:
- Accelerate the development of new renewable/low carbon products and technologies and the increase of region’s GVA.
- Enhance the region’s reputation as the place to develop low carbon and offshore wind innovation.
- Bring together a cluster of knowledge and expertise in the low carbon & offshore wind sectors.
- Bring opportunities through the UK Government’s Offshore Wind Sector Deal – Aura and the University are recognised as major delivery partners.
To find out more, visit: https://aurawindenergy.com/what-we-do/innovation-through-collaboration-at-new-aura-innovation-centre
