Friday 11 March 2016

Warwick Uni opens £50m energy research centre

A £50 million energy research centre has officially been opened at the University of Warwick.

The Energy Innovation Centre, located at the university’s bigger research facility WMG, is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Europe.

Funded by government and industry, it aims to support the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) with research into new battery cell technology.

It will also provide guidance and technical know-how in three key areas: energy storage, energy management and complex electrical systems.

The centre has a laboratory, testing chambers and an electric and hybrid drives test facility.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “WMG is a world leader in battery technology research that supports the evolution of electric vehicles, promoting innovation and attracting investment to the local area.

“The Midlands Engine is home to a diverse range of exciting businesses and universities and its continued success is creating highly-skilled jobs. Today’s announcement is another example of why the economy here has been outperforming the rest of the country since 2010.”

Earlier this year ELN spoke to car manufacturers and industry experts about challenges in the EV industry.