Rolling road boost for green technology sector

The most advanced rolling road system of its kind in the UK is being built in Wales.

The facility at the University of Glamorgan will form the centrepiece of a new Centre for Alternative Powertrain Engineering that opens next year. The R&D centre will be dedicated to environmental and applied green performance technology.

It will be capable of testing pure electric and hybrid electric as well as traditional internal combustion engine components.

It is the latest in a series of investments in the development of alternative energy sources for niche green vehicles in Wales and provides a major boost for this fast-growing sector.

The University of Glamorgan has been at the forefront of many of these developments. Earlier this year it opened the UK’s first Advanced Battery Development Facility and last year pioneered Europe’s first clean, green, zero emission minibus bus powered by three different environmentally friendly technologies.

The main focus of the Centre for Alternative Powertrain Engineering will be working with industry on a range of knowledge transfer projects to help businesses in the sector develop innovative new products and processes and get them onto the market.

The Assembly Government has provided nearly £200,000 funding from the Academic Expertise for Business (A4B) programme to equip the centre with the advanced hybrid/electric powertrain testing facility.

The centre will provide the opportunity for research and testing of high power electric motors, high and processors, speed controllers, super fast rapid chargers, power systems, alternative future energies, electric drivetrains and high-capacity energy storage technologies.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the centre, with its first-class facilities was of strategic importance to the Welsh economy, supporting the green technology sector.

“It will have the capability to support existing businesses in the field such as Connaught Engineering and Stevens Vehicles and could also play an important role in attracting new investment in this sector.

“The focus on electric and hybrid electric vehicles supports the drive to reduce CO2 emissions and developing a world-class low-carbon-energy business and research sector in Wales.”

Jonathan Williams, advanced energy systems programme director at the University of Glamorgan, said: “We will have the most modern and up-to-date facilities in the UK for alternative powertrain research and development and will be able to engage on more advanced programmes of work in the sector.

“This is a critical niche sector which has the potential to revolutionise the existing automotive markets from producers down to suppliers.

“The new test facility will enable us to provide a wealth of new services, experiences and knowledge transfer based on these new capabilities at both individual component level and whole system level.”

18/09/2009