Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero- Session 3: Formal meeting (oral evidence session):

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will hear from officials, research funders and leading research consortia about the UK’s strategy for research and development of batteries and fuel cells to help meet the net-zero target.The Committee will question officials from government departments and research councils about the UK’s increased support for battery development, and how the initiatives and funding will evolve. The Committee will compare the support given to fuel cell research, and ask how this technology will be developed for applications such as heavy transport. For both technologies, it will ask how training will be delivered to provide a skilled workforce.The Committee will also hear from leaders of research consortia, asking them about support for their research sectors and how this compares with countries leading the development of the technologies. The Committee will explore coordination between research into batteries, fuel cells and wider strategies such as for hydrogen, and whether research for transport can be transferred to applications in other sectors such as power grids and heating.At 10.00am: Oral evidence Mr Tony Harper, Industrial Strategy Challenge Director, Faraday Battery Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at University of Central LancashireDr Lucy Martin, Deputy Director of Cross-Council Programmes and lead for Net Zero at University of Central LancashireDr Bob Moran, Deputy Director, Head of Environment Strategy at University of Central LancashireProfessor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Adviser at University of Central LancashireAt 11.00am: Oral evidenceProfessor Philip Taylor, Director at EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub, and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at University of BristolProfessor David Greenwood, CEO, High Value Manufacturing Catapult at University of Central Lancashire, Director, Industrial Engagement at University of Central Lancashire, and Professor of Advanced Propulsion Systems at University of WarwickProfessor Paul Dodds, Professor of Energy Systems at University of Central LancashirePossible questionsOn which aspects of battery and fuel cell research and development is the UK focusing, and why?How successful have the UK’s new research initiatives been in advancing battery science and application?Does battery research receive greater public funding than fuel cell research? If so, why?What technologies are seen as the most likely options for heavy transport i.e. HGVs, buses and trains?What is the Government’s strategy for supporting the growth of skilled workers for battery and fuel cell research and development?To what extent is battery and fuel cell research and development coordinated in the UK? If so, who is responsible for this coordination?Parliament TV video of the meetingThis is part three of a three part enquiry.Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.