The Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) at the University of Strathclyde will receive £4.8m funding to assess equipment to help the UK hit its net zero target.
The investment from the Driving the Electric Revolution initiative at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will be used to expand its capabilities by acquiring a high power integrated electric propulsion and powertrain accelerator.
The funding is part of a cash pot provided to nine facilities across the UK. Driving the Electric Revolution Scotland is one of four industrialisation centres aiming for net zero carbon and lower emissions in the UK supply chain with PNDC part of the UKRI-funded Driving the Electric Revolution Centre Scotland. The scheme is established through academic partnership between University of Strathclyde, University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow. The centres aim to coordinate with businesses across various industries and transport systems on their electric-powered vehicles and machines.
PNDC’s facility also researches and tests multi-vector energy systems with the UKRI investment used to build on existing capabilities with a focus on: aerospace, marine, rail, energy (grid/generation) and off-highway transportation. Additionally, it has an up to 1MW test capability, allowing additional opportunities to test propulsion and powertrain systems at the MW scale.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “This funding boost for PNDC is a major development for the transport sector and will provide critical advancements in working towards the UK’s net zero ambitions. We have a long-standing and internationally recognised reputation for excellent research in electrical power systems, power electronics, machines and manufacturing technologies and I am delighted Strathclyde is playing such a central research and innovation role in this exciting project.”
Professor Will Drury, Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge director said: “This investment represents a vital step forward in making the UK a world leader in Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD). With access to the Centres and network open to all, we aim to give all UK businesses and researchers the ability to develop and scale new PEMD technologies and manufacturing processes. Only by investing now in developing PEMD will the UK achieve its net zero ambitions.”
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