University Centre Peterborough Students to Benefit from £13.5m Centre for Green Technology in Green Energy Push

Engineering students at University Centre Peterborough (UCP), part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), will now have access to a newly launched Centre for Green Technology (CGT) — a £13.5 million, net-zero-ready facility.

It also builds on UCP’s earlier announcement of a brand-new Engineering degree with a focus on green energy, launching in September 2025. Designed in collaboration with local employers, the programme will cover energy systems, renewables and sustainable technologies — all areas enhanced by direct access to the CGT’s hands-on learning environments.

“I was impressed by the breadth of opportunities and courses that are offered by the Centre, and it was fascinating to see how new technologies will drive the construction and development of the homes this country needs. The development of new skills to help build green, safer buildings is at the heart of this government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes.” 

– Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government.

“The Centre for Green Technology represents far more than the launch of a new facility – it’s a bold statement of intent. It shows what’s possible when ambition meets investment, and when education leads from the front. This centre is a key milestone in delivering on our 2024–2030 strategy and reflects our commitment to creating campuses of the future, where learners gain the skills they need, employers find the talent they’re looking for, and communities benefit from inclusive, sustainable growth.”

– Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, Inspire Education Group.

“I warmly welcome the launch of the Centre for Green Technology. This £13.5 million, net-zero-ready facility is a crucial step towards tackling the green skills shortage and supporting sustainable economic growth in our region. Peterborough has a real opportunity to be at the heart of the Green revolution, and investments like this ensure that local people are the ones who benefit from the new jobs and opportunities coming our way. By bringing together education providers, employers, and industry, we can create valuable apprenticeships and training pathways that open doors to rewarding, sustainable careers, building a prosperous and environmentally responsible future for Peterborough and beyond.”

– Andrew Pakes, Local MP for Peterborough.

“The Centre for Green Technology is a shining example of how public partnership, working, investment and industry can come together to drive real change. This facility not only equips our residents with the skills needed for the green jobs of the future but also strengthens Peterborough’s role as a leader in sustainable innovation. We’re proud to support a project that delivers opportunity, growth, and environmental responsibility in equal measure.”

– Councillor Nick Thulbourn, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration at Peterborough City Council.

“It’s so important for Peterborough that we give our people the chance to do well in life. And I know how tough it can be, at any age, if you don’t have the right training for the new jobs on offer. Given its close links with employers, the Centre should be a real boost for Peterborough and the region.”

– Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The CGT has already attracted significant national attention. Over the past year, Andrew Pakes MP, Chi Onwurah MP, and Peter Kyle MP have all recognised IEG’s leadership in delivering skills aligned with national priorities. In November 2024, Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, chose IEG’s Peterborough campus to launch the Government’s Get Britain Working white paper — praising the Group’s role in driving economic renewal and sustainable skills development.

The £13.5 million project is partly funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), with £2.471 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, £400,000 from the Local Growth Fund, £1.9 million from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Fund, and the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (£1.42 million). IEG’s contribution to the project was £8.3M, with £5.5M from the DFE capital loan scheme and £2.8M from IEG’s capital reserves.

Find out more about our Engineering degrees here.