The UK’s position in clean energy has received a further boost as a landmark agreement with Qatar reaches a significant milestone, solidifying £1 billion of investment in climate technology.
The partnership is expected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs over its lifetime and will see the launch of climate technology hubs across the UK and Qatar to accelerate development in climate-friendly technologies.
This includes investment in technology programmes by Derby engineering giant Rolls-Royce that improve energy efficiency, support new sustainable fuels and lower carbon emissions.
It will also see investment into start-ups in the UK and Qatar focusing on energy efficiency, carbon management, and green power.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am proud that Qatar has chosen to base this global partnership here in the UK and I am delighted that the project is getting off the ground with this initial £1 billion commitment.
“Qatar and Rolls-Royce pursuing these opportunities in climate technology is a significant step in our ambition to become a clean energy superpower and further evidence that the UK is one of the best places in the world for companies to develop those technologies.”
Prime Minister of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman al Thani said: “We are delighted to formally launch this groundbreaking partnership. The United Kingdom has a proud history of innovation in cutting edge technology, and Qatar has long been a trusted investment partner to British businesses. This new collaboration aligns with our long-term strategy to invest in the economies of the future.
“We welcome the formalisation of our strategic relationship with Rolls-Royce. Qatar is already one of the largest purchasers of Rolls-Royce engines for Qatar Airways and a major investor in the small modular reactor nuclear industry. This new partnership further strengthens Qatar’s position as a leading global investor in climate technologies.
“We welcome the creation of highly skilled jobs in both Qatar and the UK, and look forward to welcoming a diverse range of businesses to Doha as part of the Rolls-Royce partnership.”
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce, said: “In the last two years we have made significant progress in the transformation of Rolls-Royce. This announcement is further evidence of our progress to create a highly competitive and fast-growing company.
“Enabling the energy transition through lower carbon technologies is a key part of our strategy. We are delighted to welcome Qatar as a strategic partner, who will support the growth of these technologies. They share our ambition to make an impact on the challenge of climate change.”
