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The funding will support projects focused on energy security, including offshore wind, hydrogen and cleaner industrial energy, as well as materials security, helping develop new ways to recover and process critical materials. 

The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) is a flagship UK government programme, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), investing up to £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the country.

Forming a central pillar of the government's modern Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change, the Fund brings together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths to create new jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.

Councillor Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, said:

“On behalf of Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire Councils, we are pleased to see the South West Wales Energy and Materials Innovation Clusters bid has progressed to the next stage of the process. 

“This is a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our regional partnership and our shared ambition to drive innovation, support sustainable industry, and create high-quality jobs across South West Wales. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to build on this momentum and realise the full potential of this exciting opportunity.”

Professor Sir Ian Chapman, Chief Executive, UKRI, said:

"South West Wales has great sector strengths in clean energy and advanced materials, and LIPF funding puts local leaders in the driving seat to build on them.

“That's how we create good jobs and grow the economy - not just in one area but in many communities across the UK."

Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, said:

“This important milestone reflects the strength of partnership working across sectors within South West Wales. Swansea University’s long-standing and internationally-recognised research excellence in clean energy and advanced materials is enhanced by the expertise, vision and ambition of our cluster partners, and we are a proud collaborator in an initiative with significant potential to drive innovation, nurture future skills and deliver real economic and social benefits for our region.”

Ben Burggraaf, Net Zero Industry Wales Chief Executive Officer said:

"I'm delighted that South-West Wales has been selected to progress to the portfolio development stage of the Local Innovation Partnership Fund. This recognition reflects the strength of the region’s innovation cluster and builds on the legacy of the LCRI, FLEXIS, RICE and Launchpad programmes.

“Thanks to the ongoing commitment of our public and private sector partners, the LIPF funding will be a next vital step in creating a resilient, innovative industry within the region and strengthen Wales’ position as a leading clean energy transition hub and remain a cornerstone of the UK industrial base"

Professor Elwen Evans, Vice-Chancellor of University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said:

“UWTSD is proud to support this partnership, which demonstrates the strength of collaboration across industry, local government, and academia in driving South West Wales’s transition to a greener economy through innovation, skills development, and emerging technologies.

 “This opportunity reinforces South West Wales’s growing reputation as a centre for sustainable industrial innovation and highlights the role universities play in supporting future industries, developing talent, and enabling inclusive economic growth.”

Local partners will now work with UKRI to develop detailed proposals and maximise the impact of the investment.