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/busines
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