Energy Systems Catapult: Birmingham location for new centre
The centre will exploit commercial opportunities for new products and services created by the transformation of energy networks.
A new technology and innovation centre, the Energy Systems Catapult, will be located in Birmingham
It will also benefit from being close to an existing local hub of private, public and academic organisations working in energy systems.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“The Energy Systems Catapult will make Britain the best place in the world to develop new energy products and services, like local energy systems that can provide an alternative source of power to the national grid. Locating the Catapult in Birmingham puts it right at the heart of a vibrant energy hub that will bring researchers and businesses together – a key component of bringing new and innovative ideas to market.”
The power of partnership
The decision to locate the Energy Systems Catapult in Birmingham follows agreement with the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) to merge their existing Smart Systems and Heat Programme into the new Catapult.
Energy Systems Catapult Chairman Nick Winser said:
The Birmingham area has a strong cluster of businesses and academic activity related to energy, as well as excellent transport links. The advanced discussions with the ETI to merge their existing Birmingham based team into the Catapult provides us with the opportunity to make a strong start.
ETI CEO Dr David Clarke adds:
We welcome the establishment of the Catapult to bring additional focus to meeting the needs of the UK energy system. Our Smart Systems and Heat programme has built the knowledge and capability to design functional long-term local area heating solutions, it is already working with Local Authorities in Bridgend, Manchester and Newcastle…this engagement with the Energy Systems Catapult allows for that work to continue beyond the end of our current operating model in 2017.
The Energy Systems Catapult is one of 2 new Catapults set to open from April 2015, the other being the Precision Medicine Catapult.
There are currently 7 Catapults up and running – High Value Manufacturing, Cell Therapy, Satellite Applications, Future Cities, Digital, Offshore Renewable Energy and Transport Systems.
Find out more about how Catapults bring research and business together
Read about our current funding opportunities