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Case Study
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GreenUrban Technologies receive Grant for Research and Development
28 May 2009
GreenUrban Technologies receive Grant for Research and Development
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) continues to lead England's Northwest towards a low carbon economy, awarding a £77,149 Grant for Research and Development to Lancashire-based GreenUrban Technologies.
Formed in 2004, GreenUrban Technologies employs 8 people. In addition to project management and sustainable transport technologies and sales, the company also operates in the marketing and distribution of Greenhouse gas and harmful emissions reduction technology products.
NWDA funding will support the research of a new technology that could be applied to a range of diesel engines across a range of sectors. Potential product applications include small engines for canal boats, through to very large engines up to one megawatt, such as those used in temporary power generator sets. Technology applications suitable for truck and bus engines are also being evaluated.
Nigel Standley, GreenUrban Director said:
"Successful R&D of the technology will enable a step change reduction in diesel particulate trap costs, which will change the scale of implementation of devices and enable vast reductions of harmful emissions and greenhouse gas producing black carbon."
The project will last 10 months.
The company is planning to use local testing facilities and Salford University's expertise in internal combustion engines.
The company already has a presence in the diesel engine particulate reduction market. If the Research project is successful, the company would undertake a Product Development phase that is expected to last a further 12 months. The company would then consider whether to manufacture themselves or sub-contract and assemble. The market opportunities are considered to be extremely good in view of the growing demand for environmental solutions to emission problems.
Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Economic Development at
the NWDA said:
"This important project is being led by two professionals who, between them, have many years experience within the automotive industry. This project has the potential to make a significant impact on the reduction of emissions from diesel engines.
"The NWDA has recently announced £30million* of investment for the region towards 4 carbon reducing initiatives. Overall these will support the development and installation of low carbon technologies by SMEs, encourage low carbon innovation in all sectors and ensure that the Northwest is at the vanguard of practical action for carbon reduction initiatives."
Alex Mullen, GreenUrban Director of Sales said:
"The NWDA support has given us the confidence and resource assistance to invest in a significant technology feasibility programme that will create short and long term employment and potential growth opportunities in the Northwest for both ourselves and our supply partners."
The Grants for Research and Development scheme aims to help entrepreneurs and business owners introduce innovative products and processes including research trials and product testing. Grant for Research and Development is designed specifically to support innovative projects that have a solid commercial potential.
The NWDA is playing a crucial role in response to the current economic downturn, with a number of actions being taken to meet the needs of businesses during these financially challenging times. To keep updated on the range of support being offered by the NWDA go to - www.nwda.co.uk/supportingbusiness
For more information on business support visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest
For more information on Finance for Business please visit www.nwdabusinessfinance.co.uk
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Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk/press
* The NWDA will provide £3.3 million towards two business support initiatives with £3.3 million match funding coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Of this, £4.4m has been approved for 'Grant for Improving your Resource Efficiency' a programme which is designed to help SME's fund investments in the most environmentally friendly capital equipment. In addition £2.2m has been approved for additional projects under 'Grant for Research and Development' to encourage the development and demonstration of carbon emission reducing technologies. Funding for two additional carbon reduction initiatives have also been approved by the NWDA today. Launched earlier in the year, Foundation, managed by Groundwork Northwest, has been established to give individuals and business the chance to donate to local community projects across the region that are helping to combat climate change. The NWDA has approved £1.6m towards the initiative. Also, The Carbon Challenge Fund, delivered by Envirolink Northwest, which will enable the demonstrations of innovative technologies including energy efficiency and low carbon generation, low carbon design and construction, low carbon transport technologies and carbon capture in the region. This fund has received £2m of support from the NWDA.
Project information - Technical background The project will investigate the development of design parameters and 'make-up' of a specialised filtration material and utilise computational fluid dynamics modelling to design the process to optimise noise and pressure drop of the systems. Sub elements of the filter will be subject to a range of lab testing to early stage building of a unit suitable for testing on engines of varying sizes.
The NWDA is supporting businesses and prioritising investments to ensure that the Northwest is in a strong position to respond to the current economic climate. Initiatives include:
• The launch of a £10m High Growth business support
programme
• A new £4m Innovation Voucher Scheme to help 1,000
businesses work with our knowledge base
• Dedicated Access to Finance support within Business Link
Northwest - now available
• £140m Venture Capital Loan Fund (VCLF) - to be
launched in 2009
• £40m package of support to stimulate investment in
priority skills development - to commence in 2009
• 10 day prompt-payment pledge to our suppliers to help with
cash-flow
For more information, see www.nwda.co.uk/business
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life
