If approved, the newbuild research and development facility would look at ways to switch from fossil fuels to carbon-free and renewable energy sources.

“It is proposed to establish a first-of-a-kind Power to X centre,” a planning statement on behalf of the university said.

“This unique £13m facility – the only one of its kind in the UK – will deliver research and development space to enable pioneering research into decarbonising the production of energy, fuels and chemicals using only water, waste streams and components of air.”

The proposals are an important element in the delivery of the vision for the university’s Eden Campus and will provide the university with essential research and development space.

The decarbonisation centre would consist of a testing lab and offices in addition to welfare and plant spaces.

An external service yard would also be constructed to facilitate the operation of the new-build facility.

The 3,678sq m research centre would be built on part of the Eden Campus – the former paper mill site in Guardbridge.