The UK faces some major challenges in meeting its climate change targets. Securing sustainable supplies of renewable energy is a grand challenge for the world. We must also supply the next generation of skilled scientists and engineers to deliver new and emerging technologies. The Siemens Wind Power Research Centre is an example of how we collaborate with our partners to bridge the gap between research and the real world deployment of new technologies. Centres such as the Sheffield Solar Farm and the Low Carbon Combustion Centre provide industry with access to unique pilot scale facilities and world class expertise.