A NEW “green propulsion research centre” has officially opened on the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green.
The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, or IAAPS, aims to develop clean, sustainable and affordable technology to develop future ultra-low emission vehicles.
The Bath University-run centre promises “trailblazing initiatives” into new engine technology using alternative fuels such as hydrogen and helium.
It was officially launched by Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen MP and Metro Mayor Dan Norris at the end of September, at a ceremony attended by 250 guests including Kingswood MP and Net Zero Review chair Chris Skidmore.
Bath University vice-chancellor and president Professor Ian White and IAAPS executive director Professor Chris Brace joined the line-up for a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the milestone.
The 11,300 sq m IAAPS facility has been funded by Bath University, the government’s Research England and £10m from the West of England Combined Authority.
Mr Norris stressed the importance of IAAPS to the region’s economy and skills development and said IAAPS would “really put rocket boosters under our plans for the West to become a zero-emission and innovation leader”.
Mr Skidmore said: “This is a hugely exciting project that can help revolutionise sustainable transport and aviation. It also demonstrates clearly that net zero is going to lead to more investment in communities
and is not a cost.”
Bath University says it has been working for more than 40 years to bring industry and academia together.
The university says it expects IAAPS to bring in £67m in additional research and development investment within five years of opening, produce an extra turnover of £800m in the UK automotive sector, employ around 190 people and support around 1,900 new jobs across the supply chain within the UK.
For more information about IAAPS visit www.iaaps.co.uk.