High Energy Boost For Low-Carbon Research

By Ray Cooling, London Press Service

"DEVELOPING cleaner energies to promote climate change" - that is the main ambition of a new high-tech research organisation to be established in the United Kingdom.

Called the Energy Technologies Institute, it is being set up to speed the deployment of new low-carbon technologies - including the efficient production and use of energy - in support of the UK's energy and climate-change goals. It will be funded by about one billion pounds.

The institute will also increase funding and provide a national strategic focus for research and development in this area and promote international technology collaboration.

Those behind the plan - representatives from the Midlands Consortium - say they are "absolutely delighted" by the announcement that the group has been chosen to host the national institute.

The Midlands Consortium comprises the universities of Birmingham, Loughborough and Nottingham - three world-class partners, all with extensive and complementary energy-related research activities.

Generous financial support has been provided, in a unique cross-border arrangement, by both Advantage West Midlands and the East Midlands Development Agency.

Jointly funded by government and industry, the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) brings together some of the world's biggest companies such as BP, Caterpillar, EDF Energy, E.ON UK, Rolls-Royce and Shell.

Their funding contribution, along with that of government, provides the ETI with a potential budget of more than 600 million pounds over 10 years. The involvement of other private companies could boost the cash pot up to one billion pounds.

Professor Michael Sterling, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Birmingham, said: "We are delighted that the Midlands Consortium has won the bid to host the Energy Technologies Institute. At Birmingham we have a proud heritage in science and engineering and our large-scale Institute for Energy Research & Policy will make a real contribution to the work of the consortium."

The vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Professor Sir Colin Campbell, added: "British higher education and research is one of the UK economy's greatest success stories. Today's news offers an outstanding opportunity for three distinguished universities to demonstrate the extent to which the UK is a significant force in the international market for knowledge and research excellence.

"The choice of the Midlands Consortium is a measure of the quality and attractiveness of our intellectual capital at the University of Nottingham, and at Birmingham and Loughborough. It also recognises our many successful collaborations, and our close and hugely valued partnerships with those leading regional economic development," he added. "Most importantly, it will allow us to make the most of our shared determination to help secure the well-being of future generations through our science and innovation."

The hub of the ETI will be based at Loughborough University, at the heart of the university's Science & Enterprise Park, and brings with it up to 50 new jobs in the region.

Professor Shirley Pearce, Loughborough University's vice-chancellor, said the site is ideal, adding: "We already have a concentration of low-carbon and energy research and development activities based at the university's Science & Enterprise Park. Locating the hub on this site will allow the consortium to maximise the effective working of the ETI."

Advantage West Midlands' director of innovation, Dr Philip Extance, said: "Advantage West Midlands is delighted to support this strong collaboration of the three universities across the East and West Midlands. The location of the ETI hub in the Midlands pays testament not only to their research strength but also to the potential strength of firms in the regions to exploit the technology that is developed."

Dr Bryan Jackson, chairman of the East Midlands Development Agency (Emda), commented: "Emda is delighted that the ETI has recognised the industrial strengths in this region with companies such as E.ON UK, Caterpillar, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom, Siemens and EDF who all have a significant presence here. This strong proposition of global business at the forefront of the global energy sector combined with the international success of our universities is a winning combination."

Bids to host the institute were judged on energy research capability, reputation and culture; space, facilities and accessibility; and commitment to the ETI. Five bids, from 28 applicants, were short-listed in May 2007. A reduced shortlist of three, comprising the Midlands Consortium and groups based in north-east England and Scotland, was announced in August.

Contact:

Hannah Baldwin, Head of Public Relations
Loughborough University, Press Office
Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE11 3TU
Phone: +44 1509 222239
E-mail: H.E.Baldwin@lboro.ac.uk
Web: www.lboro.ac.uk