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Today, the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has announced that it is the latest addition to the bill to present at the Partners4Automotive conference to be held in North East England on the 17th and 18th September 2008.
Organised by the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) at the University of Sunderland, this event will bring together over 100 experts from academia and business from around the world to share their knowledge, and to explore the needs and future issues that surround the growth of the alternative fuels sector for vehicles and transport systems.
Alternative fuels are derived from resources other than petroleum and include biofuels, natural gas and hydrogen. Hydrogen is recognised as the preferred feed stock for fuel cells which are cleaner and more efficient than conventional mechanical systems. Much more development is needed, however, and earlier this year CPI became the only UK organisation to become a full member of the Research Grouping for the European Union’s €940m Framework Seven Programme (FP7) looking into the deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies.
Dr. Jon Helliwell, Project Manager, Fuel Cell Application Facility at CPI explains,
“As part of EU programme, CPI represents the entire North East region and is actively working with third parties and start-ups in developing new applications and overcoming the hurdles to fuel cell use.
“We launched Fuel Cells North East in September 2007, a business cluster dedicated to creating an effective supply chain of organisations that have either direct or indirect links to fuel cells. CPI is delighted to be working with AMAP for this event which cements this region’s position at the forefront of developments in fuel cell technology.”
Phil Eadon, managing director, at conference organiser Allancia adds,
“Attracting this international event to the region provides a great opportunity for businesses across the UK to find out more about this exciting area of technology. With petrol and diesel now costing over £5 a gallon, opportunities to utilise alternative fuel technologies must be high on the agenda for most companies.
“With the support of leading organisations such as CPI, this is especially good news for the industry right on the doorstep here in the North East. The area has strong traditions in engineering and automotive manufacturing, and it is our aim to encourage industry to take advantage of opportunities which are becoming increasingly evident in the global search for alternative fuels for transport.
If you would like to find out more please register your business details on line at www.partners4automotive2008.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Phil Eadon, project director, Partners4Automotive 2008 on 0191 415 7340.
About CPI
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) aims to become the national centre of innovation within the UK processing sector, and with more than 70 high calibre scientists, engineers and support staff already has a high number of skilled expertise helping to make this a reality.
CPI is currently the only UK research organisation to become a member of the research groups of the EU’s Euro 940m JTI in fuel cells and hydrogen development.
As part of FP7, CPI represents the entire North East region, and is also founding member (one of 22 regions signed up across Europe) of the European Hydrogen Association’s (EHA) HyRaMP lobbying group with Dr Graham Hillier, director of low carbon energy nominated as one of six members of the board.
The CPI is in a strong position to lead UK and Europe’s efforts to commercialise new technologies. It is working with third parties and start-ups in developing new applications and overcoming the hurdles to fuel cell use for residential and transport applications. A track record of successful demonstration projects already completed include the South Gare Lighthouse (a world-first); Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge sign; and a fully operational mobile filling station. |
