Advanced Propulsion Centre in line for £70m boost as new research programme is announced
THE University of Warwick-based Advanced Propulsion Centre is set for a £70m boost as it looks to pioneer new techniques to combat vehicle emissions.
The centre is also to be expanded with a new spoke being set up at Newcastle University to exploring technology around electric machines.
APC 5, as the latest funding round is dubbed, is seeking proposals for collaborative research and development projects that deliver significant reductions in vehicle emissions compared to the current best-in-class technologies.
All projects must be business-led and include a vehicle manufacturer or tier 1 supplier and an SME.
The first four rounds of APC funding have engaged with over 50 organisations and have supported innovative projects with around £90m of grant funding. Round 5 is expected to generate a total of £70m of co-investment funding from Government and industry.
Ian Constance, Chief Executive of the APC said: “The UK automotive industry has a significant opportunity to build on its existing strengths in powertrain engineering and low carbon innovation to seize global competitiveness.
“The opening of APC 5, the latest grant funding competition, will create £70m investment in collaborative projects. Each programme we invest in has the power to enhance the UK’s position as a Propulsion Nation and ultimately contribute to the UK’s economic prosperity.”
Business Secretary Sajid Javid said the UK’s automotive sector had received a major boost from the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement when he earmarked an additional £225m funding for automotive R&D.
“We already have the most productive auto sector in Europe, and the government is determined to build on this. The projects established by the APC to promote low carbon innovation will ensure world-leading automotive manufacturing – and high-skilled jobs – in the UK for years to come,” he said.
The Newcastle operation brings the total number of APC spokes to six. Each spoke brings together industry and academia to support the development of the UK’s low carbon vehicle capability. They cover Digital Engineering and Test, Electrical Energy Storage, Power Electronics and two for Internal Combustion Engines.
“The APC Spoke Network provides the forum for industry and academia to come together as communities of common interest. They act as an enabler maximising opportunities for the development and production of low carbon propulsion technology,” said Constance.
“I am delighted that the University of Newcastle has been selected to coordinate communities in Electric Machines.”
