More than £36 million is being invested by the UK Government to help boost clean energy innovation within the construction sector.

The funding will be provided to a consortium led by Swansea University to support cutting-edge building materials which generate electricity.

Using light and heat to make energy, the green technology has the potential to power homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals. These materials could replace conventional walls, roofs and windows, generating electricity which is stored and released by a smart operating system, while excess electricity could also be sold back to the national grid.

The funding is part of the Government's plans to at least halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030: making buildings more energy efficient by embracing smart technologies which will cut household energy bills, reduce the demand for energy, and boost the UK's economic growth whilst meeting targets for carbon reduction.

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Overall the funding, through the ‘Transforming Construction' challenge of the government's Industrial Strategy, will develop supply chains in the UK and give certainty to leading researchers and students, helping attract more investment and jobs to the local area.

Announcing the funding during a visit to Wales today, 19 September, Chancellor Philip Hammond said: "Swansea University and the innovative companies working with it are world-leaders in clean energy. The UK government is backing the industries of the future that will deliver jobs and opportunities across Wales.

"This £36 million new funding will support exciting green technology that could cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and create better homes and workspaces."

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: "The UK government is committed to leading the world in delivering clean energy technology and this additional investment at Swansea University shows that we are prepared to support innovation in this critical area.

"The cutting-edge research being developed at this institution is being translated into practical inventions and techniques that can improve our lives. It truly is science with a purpose.

"Today's funding announcement, on top of the £68 million commitment to Swansea University since 2010, will ensure that Wales and one of its most forward- thinking universities will play a key role in keeping the UK at the vanguard of innovation for years to come."

(LM/MH)