South Yorkshire to research tech for world's first zero-emission aeroplane, Hunt announces

The COMPASS (Composites at Speed and Scale) project will bring together aerospace giant Boeing, along with Spirit AeroSystems, Loop Technology and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to create the technology which can make air travel green, dubbed “Jet Zero”.

This is backed with £80 million of Government funding, and hoped to generate £1.2 billion and 8,000 jobs by the end of the decade, with an initial 50 jobs created in South Yorkshire.

This is the first of twelve investment zones announced by the Chancellor at the March Budget.

The first project will see a £80 million Boeing-led initiative to manufacture lightweight structures for aeroplanes, with the company expecting a global demand for more than 42,000 new commercial jets by 2042, with research suggesting that it could add £2 billion to the UK’s annual exports.

It also sees a £29.5m grant from the University of Sheffield’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), it’s largest grant to date to fund the AMRC's largest ever R&D project.

In an exclusive interview with The Yorkshire Post, the Chancellor said that the investment zone plan was about making the UK a “global leader in the industries that are going to grow the fastest”.

“Where South Yorkshire is blazing a trail is advanced manufacturing.”

Mr Hunt said that the project will help Boeing develop the “world's first zero-emission aeroplane” adding: “So it's a big deal,” he added.

However, when asked about the future devolution deals for mayors, the Chancellor indicated that the Government would not be seeking further steps of fiscal devolution which could see mayors keep and reinvest the money that is raised locally from taxation.

“I would caution against big new tax burdens happening locally, because I think most people and certainly most businesses, want to see the tax burden lightened,” he said.

“What we're talking about in Investment Zones is actually tax breaks that encourage more investments from the private sector.”

COMPASS will be built as an extension to the University’s AMRC and will be “technology created in South Yorkshire built the modern world,” according to Oliver Coppard, the Mayor of South Yorkshire.

“Because in South Yorkshire we have always known how to deliver practical solutions to big challenges,” he added.

“Yesterday it was stainless steel and our coal industry, today it is AI, Robotics and creating lighter, stronger materials for Jet Zero.”

Mr Coppard added that the Investment Zone will allow the world’s “first and best” Advanced Manufacturing District to be expanded to incorporate Rotherham town centre, Sheffield city centre as well as parts of Barnsley and Doncaster.

Over the summer ahead of the finalisation of plans with the Government, investors, developers and start-ups will be offered financial incentives to relocate their business to the area.

This will also include breaking down planning barriers with dedicated officers as well as skills support schemes to boost opportunities for graduates that will keep workers in the area rather than forced to other cities for better paid careers.

Maria Laine, UK President of Boeing, said: "This project is a testament to Boeing’s commitment to drive innovation and growth within the UK aerospace sector.

“Together with our world-leading industry partners, this investment is poised to revolutionise aerospace manufacturing to meet global demand, while supporting vital jobs and growth in the UK.”

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “Over the last two decades, we have seen how university research and innovation has helped to transform our region by attracting inward investment and creating highly-skilled jobs.

“South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone holds enormous potential, and we look forward to working with our partners to ensure its success.”