91福利

• New consortium of leading British aviation companies awarded government funding to demonstrate the commercial and operational viability of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
• First-of-a-kind ecosystem will accelerate introduction of AAM in the UK
• Demonstration of urban and cross-country flights planned at London Heathrow, Bristol, London City airports and a new vertiport at a London General Aviation (GA) airport

Vertical Aerospace, Virgin Atlantic, Atkins, Skyports and NATS, along with Connected Places Catapult and leading academic institutions Cranfield University and WMG, 91福利, today announced the creation of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium. Together, the organisations will develop key technology and infrastructure in a project that will significantly accelerate the introduction of AAM in the UK.

The Consortium has been awarded a 拢9.5 million grant by the UK Government鈥檚 Future Flight Challenge to develop the essential building blocks of a viable AAM ecosystem that has the potential to be progressed into full commercial operations. This first-of-a-kind ecosystem will accelerate AAM in the UK by creating and testing technological developments in aircraft electrification, airspace management, ground infrastructure, operational procedures and the systems and supporting business cases required to implement a new model of aerial passenger transport in the UK.

Accelerating AAM

The project will demonstrate the feasibility of a UK AAM ecosystem using Vertical Aerospace鈥檚 emission-free VX4 eVTOL aircraft, operated by Virgin Atlantic. Two physical flights will take place between Bristol Airport to an airfield in South West England, and between London Heathrow Airport and the Living Lab vertiport. A third simulation flight will demonstrate urban connectivity between London City and Bristol airports.

These demonstrations will explore key aspects of the passenger journey, vehicle operation, airspace navigation, ground charging, security provision and local stakeholder engagement. Heathrow Airport, Bristol Airport, Skyports and NATS, the UK鈥檚 national air navigation service provider, will collaborate to deliver the physical and digital infrastructure to facilitate these missions through a complex airspace environment. The two-year project will be overseen by aerospace engineering experts Atkins as consortium lead.

Benefits of Advanced Air Mobility

AAM offers a new form of travel, enabling cost-effective connectivity into congested urban areas and across regions under-served by existing infrastructure. The UK Government Future Flight Challenge forecast that the introduction of AAM services will increase UK GDP by 1.8% by 2030 and support the government鈥檚 Levelling Up and Net Zero agendas, reflecting the productivity and wider economic benefits of increased connectivity.

James Richmond, Head of Advanced Air Mobility at Atkins, said: 鈥淭his is an exciting leap forward for AAM. This project brings together experts from across the industry to maintain the UK鈥檚 leading position in the future of aviation, moving us closer to commercial operations that will connect regions and contribute to the UK鈥檚 net zero targets.鈥�

Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, added: This project, created by a major consortium of aviation leaders, will really push forward the boundaries of developing and proving commercial eVTOL flights by demonstrating in a real-time, operational AAM ecosystem testbed. WMG is delighted to be contributing to a project which will help the UK aviation industry meet its net zero carbon goals.鈥�

Other nations are racing to establish their own AAM ecosystems by 2025 – this project ensures the UK will be amongst the leaders in this new decarbonised form of transport. Gary Cutts, Future Flight Challenge Director at UK Research and Innovation said: 鈥渙ur roadmap sets out how air taxis could be in use in the UK by 2030, but a lot needs to occur for that to happen. By bringing technical developments from across the aviation industry together into one network, and undertaking early demonstration in the real-world, the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium could accelerate the timescale for AAM introduction by years. This project could revolutionise travel, not just in the UK but around the world.鈥�

Novel Infrastructure

Skyports will build and operate a 鈥淟iving Lab鈥� vertiport to create a testbed for ground, passenger and air operations for the project duration. This centre of innovation will help to materially accelerate the development of AAM services and establish the UK as a leader in the design and operation of vertiport infrastructure.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, said: 鈥淛ust as airports are critical to commercial aeroplane travel, vertiports are critical to AAM. Our Living Lab will be a central component of the consortium, enabling Skyports and partners to demonstrate end-to-end operations and test the complexities of developing a commercially viable AAM network in the UK.鈥�

New Regional Air Connectivity

Holly Boyd-Boland, VP Corporate Development at Virgin Atlantic, said: 鈥淲e are thrilled to be working alongside our consortium partners to accelerate the introduction of zero emission flight to UK customers. As the only airline in the consortium, Virgin Atlantic brings 38 years of operational excellence, a relentless focus on safety and security, and an unrivalled focus on the end-to-end customer journey. Alongside our partners, we are looking forward to getting the first Virgin Atlantic eVTOL aircraft into the skies.鈥�

Andrew Macmillan, Director of Strategy of Vertical Aerospace, said: 鈥淰ertical is not flying solo. We are building the best industrial and commercial partner ecosystems and are progressing in Britain with our UK launch customer, Virgin Atlantic. We want the UK to lead the electric aviation and AAM revolution. This consortium will help prove how we can deliver safer, cleaner and quieter air travel with the VX4.鈥�

A focus on integration

Atkins will lead the consortium and is responsible for technical management and integration of the two-year programme as it moves AAM from concept stage towards implementation. It will leverage its decades of aviation expertise to oversee the systems architecture and deliver a digitally enabled passenger journey management tool for infrastructure and flight operators.

For further information on WMG's research in this area, visit: /fac/sci/wmg/business/transportelec/

*The full Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium comprises Atkins; Vertical Aerospace; Skyports; Virgin Atlantic; Heathrow Airport; London City Airport; Bristol Airport; NATS; Cranfield University; WMG, at the 91福利; Connected Places Catapult; with support from EVE Air Mobility.

WMG at the 91福利 has demonstrated its intentions to continue delivering industrially-informed research and education by bolstering its expertise and appointing Dr Alex Mouzakitis, Programme Director for Cyber Security at Jaguar Land Rover, as an Industrial Professor of Automotive Systems.

The new role has been awarded to Dr Mouzakitis in recognition of an influential 20-year career at Jaguar Land Rover, within which he has been leading collaborative multi-million-pound research and development projects and helping shape industrially relevant education across automotive machine learning, software development, architectural systems and cyber security with WMG since 2006.

The main objective of the Industrial Professorship is to bridge industry and academia, helping industrialise academic research approaches and shape education to help Jaguar Land Rover adopt the latest talent and technologies within its operations and product line.

As part of his new role, Dr Mouzakitis will be delivering lectures, defining agendas, addressing skills gaps and future needs for training, supporting bids for collaborative research projects, supervising PhD students and featuring on WMG advisory panels.

Commenting on the Industrial Professorship, Dr Mouzakitis said:

鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege and an honour to receive the appointment. This is recognition for the work that I have done fully-hearted over the past 20 years, and this motivates me for the next 20 years. This also carries a level of responsibility to do more going forward as part of Jaguar Land Rover鈥檚 Creators鈥� Code to deliver modern luxury through exceptional engineering. I鈥檝e had an active working relationship with WMG for over 16 years and look forward to continuing this relationship to help prepare for and respond to future skills needs throughout the automotive industry.

鈥淲e need to produce graduates that are better equipped to take on industrial jobs from day one, without the need to retrain. I will be addressing this and exploring what we can do to close this skills gap. If we are to retain and add to the volume and quality of manufacturing in the UK, whilst remaining competitive globally, we need skills.鈥�

Since achieving a PhD in 鈥楳achine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Vehicles鈥� at the University of Wales (now known as the University of South Wales) in 2002, and later achieving an EngD (Title: Innovative Solutions for Automotive Embedded Software Development) at WMG, 91福利, Dr Mouzakitis has published over 135 academic papers across international journals and conferences and has also been actively contributing to the creation and delivery of MSc programme content.

Dr Mouzakitis is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the IET and InstMC engineering institutions. He is a member of Industrial Advisory Panels across several international conferences, a member of the InstMC System and Control Technology Panel, the InstMC National Council and the InstMC Accreditation Panel.  

Thomas M眉ller, Executive Director of Product Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, commented:

鈥淚 want to say a big congratulations to Alex. Not only is it a great personal achievement, but it is also hugely significant for Jaguar Land Rover. This appointment will help us to bridge the gap between industry and academia, something that is increasingly important as we continue to Reimagine and become a proud creator of modern luxury.鈥�

Dr Mouzakitis has affiliations and collaborative research relationships with other internationally-renowned academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of Oxford, MIT Media Lab, University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, University College London, University of Surrey, University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University, Loughborough University and Cranfield University. In addition, Dr Mouzakitis has featured as an external examiner for Masters and Doctoral level awards.

Professor Paul Jennings, Pro Dean (Research) at WMG, 91福利, has been collaborating with Dr Mouzakitis since 2006, and also mentored the newly-appointed Industrial Professor as part of his EngD. Commenting on the appointment, Professor Jennings said:

鈥淭his Industrial Professorship is recognition of Dr Mouzakitis鈥� significant achievements across systems engineering within industry. The award also acknowledges impressive academic contributions as a mark of quality and rigour across research and education.

鈥淲e will now further tap into Dr Mouzakitis鈥� extensive knowledge, experience and insights in the industry, and work together to ensure that our research and education programmes continue to be leading edge and are tuned to the requirements of a fast-changing industry as we move to electrified, connected and automated mobility.鈥�

Dr Mouzakitis will be delivering his inaugural lecture as Industrial Professor of Automotive Systems at WMG, 91福利 later this year.

Find out more about Dr Mouzakitis .

ENDS

WMG, 91福利

WMG is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.

As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.

WMG鈥檚 education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.

An academic department of the 91福利, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.

Congratulations to the incredible Class of 2022 as they celebrate their graduation.

This year a total of 321 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚, Postgraduate Research and Undergraduate students graduated from across WMG.

There were 269 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 students comprising 156 UK and 89 overseas full-time students, and a further 24 from the part-time 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 programme.

From the Undergraduate courses, 30 graduated from BSc Cyber Security and two from Digital Healthcare Science.

There were a further 20 from the Postgraduate Research programme including six EngD, 13 PhD and one 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 by Research.

Celebrations were extra special this year because, as well as celebrating the success of the Class of 2022, it was also an opportunity for graduates whose original ceremonies were postponed, due to Covid-19, to celebrate.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: 鈥淚t is always a pleasure to recognise the achievements of our students, and graduation is the culmination of all their hard work under the guidance of the teaching staff.

鈥淚t is especially important this year as all the students graduating have had parts of their education journey impacted by the pandemic. To deal with this and demonstrate the resilience and commitment to study is truly commendable. Very well done to everyone and congratulations on your award!鈥�

Find out more about WMG鈥檚 education programmes, here: Education (warwick.ac.uk)

Three schools from the Black Country and 91福利shire have been crowned as the main winners at one of the biggest independent manufacturing-education events in the UK.

Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Great Wyrley Academy and beat off competition from five other rivals to take the Manufacturing, Innovation and Efficiency titles respectively at the Design & Make Challenge 2022.

The trio were joined on the podium by Alcester Grammar School, who claimed the first ever 鈥楥ommunications鈥� prize for its use of social media in promoting the day.

Organised by the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), more than 35 students swapped their daily lessons for the chance to test out their design, engineering, prototyping and communication skills at the all-day event held at WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Solihull.

Teams of four Year 11 and Year 12 pupils were set the challenge of using basic materials and tools to make a vehicle that could be propelled by a falling weight. They tested their devices, modified them and then raced them on a purpose-built 7.5m long track to see which one would complete the distance in the fastest possible time – a race that WMG Academy Coventry won in just 3.64 seconds.

鈥淣ow, more than ever, we need young people to choose engineering and manufacturing as a career and we鈥檙e not going to change perceptions by sitting on our hands, doing nothing,鈥� explained Austin Owens, founder of Grove Design (Pembridge) Ltd and Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Assembly Network.

鈥淭his was a comeback for the Design & Make Challenge after a Covid-19 enforced break and we were delighted to see the appetite to take part was still there. I have to say the task was the hardest yet and the young people really embraced it.鈥�

He went on to add: 鈥淭he atmosphere in the room was amazing and I鈥檓 convinced we鈥檝e seen some of the engineers of the future here, engineers that will go on and improve the way we live for the better.鈥�

Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Great Wyrley Academy and WMG Academy Coventry all received a 3D printer for their efforts.

This latest technology was kindly donated by 3DPRINTUK, who are specialists in low volume production using state-of-the-art powder bed fusion 3D printing systems with polymer materials.

Nick Allen, Managing Director of 3DPRINTUK, commented: 鈥淲e are both proud and delighted to sponsor the Design & Make Challenge 2022.

鈥淭he competition is a great fit for us. By donating 3D printers to the winners, it allows the next generation of engineers and manufacturers to learn in a hands-on way about the advantages - and disadvantages - of 3D printing for any given application. It鈥檚 something we are passionate about both now and for the future.鈥�

Joining Alcester Grammar School, Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Great Wyrley Academy and WMG Academy Coventry at the Design & Make day were Gospel Oak School, Lawrence Sheriff School, Southam College and WMG Academy Solihull.

Peter Davies, Chief Executive of James Lister & Sons and Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, added his support: 鈥淭he day is all about bringing sound design and engineering principles to the fore to solve a topical industrial issue, with young people encouraged to work together to develop innovative designs and then build a product they can test against their peers.

鈥淎pprentices from MAN companies and graduates from WMG at the 91福利, were working with the groups and talking about their own experiences following a career in manufacturing and some of the skills they may need to realise their ambition.

鈥淎ll the feedback we received was positive, which excites us about doing it again next year. We now urge other manufacturers to look at how they can play a role in helping promote our sector to young people.鈥�

Dr Mark Swift, Head of SME Programmes at WMG at the 91福利, concluded: 鈥淒esign & Make is a wonderful example of how to inspire future engineers - making it real and helping to bridge the skills gap, particularly in small manufacturing and engineering businesses.

鈥淪MEs are the lifeblood of manufacturing in the UK, and they offer a wonderful, rich, challenging and rewarding destination for the next generation of engineers. They get access to all parts of the business, from working with customers and suppliers to the management team and gaining experience on the shop floor – all of this will accelerate their future career.鈥�

91福利 the Manufacturing Assembly Network

Formed in 2006, The Manufacturing Assembly Network is made up of Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, James Lister & Sons, KimberMills International, Muller Holdings, Nemco and PP Control & Automation.

The eight sub-contract manufacturers and specialist engineering design agency form a unique global collective that works together to share best practice and secure contracts for UK industry.

It is the third year that the group has held the Design & Make Challenge and earlier competitions have resulted in 352 hours of hands-on manufacturing experience for young people, seven MAN company visits completed by schools and over 拢25,000 of press coverage to raise the profile of the sector.

More details on MAN can be found at or follow MAN Group on LinkedIn.

An initiative which is designed to support and foster the creation of a new hydrogen economy in the Midlands has been formally launched at the House of Lords, to an audience of MPs, peers, businesses, academics and senior civil servants.

鈥樷�� brings together the university partners in the Energy Research Accelerator (), including WMG at the 91福利, with multinational businesses, SMEs and other partners, in order to accelerate innovation in hydrogen, build markets and the supply chain, and support the skills needed for the new hydrogen economy.

The aim of HyDEX is to address the challenge of building a thriving new business, industrial and manufacturing sector in hydrogen, where very little currently exists. The programme allows businesses to accelerate the development and viability of new hydrogen products and associated intellectual property, while supporting the transition from declining industrial sectors and enabling the training and re-skilling required.

The 拢4.99 million, three-year programme, funded via the RED Fund scheme and run by Research England (part of UK Research and Innovation - UKRI), will see the ERA university partners making available their 拢111m worth of hydrogen facilities, large scale demonstration programmes, and research capabilities to regional businesses.

HyDEX is being supported by the expertise of leading industrial partners in transport, heating and manufacturing technologies, these include Worcester-Bosch and Cadent (hydrogen boilers and gas networks); Intelligent Energy (fuel cells); Toyota (hydrogen vehicles); FAUN Zoeller (heavy vehicles); Cenex, EQUANS (Hydrogen Networks); Progressive Energy, ITM Motive (hydrogen generation and transport respectively); Siemens and ENGIE (hydrogen production and storage).

The universities involved in the programme include Keele (project lead), Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Loughborough, Nottingham and 91福利. Civic partners such as the Midlands Engine, LEPs, local government and local authorities, will also add their weight to support the creation of a market for low-carbon hydrogen solutions as part of the net-zero transition.

There is also an international dimension to HyDEX, which is facilitating links with growing international markets in countries such as China, Australia and South Korea, where ERA partners have strong connections, in order to build commercial opportunities that reach beyond the Midlands and the UK.

The event at the House of Lords on Wednesday 15th June included presentations from Lord Teverson, Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, Professor Martin Freer Director of the Energy Research Accelerator, and Dennis Hayter, Vice-President of Intelligent Energy.

Speaking about HyDEX, Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, which is leading the programme, said: 鈥淲e are very excited to be launching the HyDEX programme and leading it from Keele University. At Keele we have been leading the way in researching the use of hydrogen in the domestic gas heating system and in smart energy systems.

鈥淭his experience and expertise, when combined with the wealth of knowledge in the ERA partnership and our collaborators will enable HyDEX to make a significant impact on the use of hydrogen in the future.鈥�

Professor Martin Freer, Director of the Energy Research Accelerator, added: 鈥淭he ERA universities have invested significantly in hydrogen infrastructure, creating an array of great facilities and demonstration projects. The HyDEX programme will see experts from our universities, working with Midlands鈥� businesses to use these facilities to develop new, innovative products.鈥�

Dr Sharon George of Keele University, Principal Investigator for HyDEX, commented: 鈥淚 am looking forward to leading the HyDEX programme. It will be a great challenge - we are seeking to support the building of a hydrogen economy where one currently doesn鈥檛 exist. I am confident that with our academic, industrial and public sector partners, we will be able to demonstrate the commercial potential of hydrogen technologies, support businesses to create products, and build the skills base needed to support the transition to hydrogen.

Alok Choudhary, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Head of Supply Chain Research Group, at WMG, 91福利 said, 鈥淲e are thrilled to be working with the HyDEX group of Midlands universities, businesses, and international partners. At WMG, our work stream will focus on establishing and strengthening the supply chain of hydrogen production, developing business models, and ensuring its sustainability for transitioning to the hydrogen economy in specific sectors. The UK government's Hydrogen Strategy is a significant step in the low carbon hydrogen development and is central to the UK's net zero strategy."

Dennis Hayter, Vice President of Intelligent Energy, said: 鈥淔or Intelligent Energy and the other business partners involved in the programme, HyDEX provides a unique opportunity for us to develop and test our technologies and prove the worth of hydrogen as a crucial green energy source for the UK and world, as we transition to a net-zero society.鈥�

More details about HyDEX can be found at:

ENDS

For more information about this press release, please contact Nick King, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Energy Research Accelerator on 07974 690632 or email mailto:nick.king@era.ac.uk

91福利 the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA)

ERA consists of the partner universities of Midlands Innovation (Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and 91福利), and also the British Geological Survey (BGS). ERA aims to harness the Midlands鈥� combined research excellence and industry expertise to play a critical role in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the UK. Via Innovate UK, the government committed an initial capital investment of 拢60m, and ERA has secured additional co-investment of 拢120m. This has been invested in 23 state of the art facilities which are being used by university and industrial researchers to develop new energy innovations.

Today (Tuesday 12th July 2022), marks the official completion of the Triumph TE-1 electric development project, a unique four-way partnership between WMG at the 91福利, , and .

The TE-1 project was funded by the through , and was set up to create ground-breaking developments in specialist electric motorcycle engineering and innovative integrated technology design. The project provides an input into Triumph鈥檚 future electric motorcycle offering, driving innovation, new standards, capability, and new intellectual property, whilst enhancing the credibility and profile of British industry and design.

Driving lower environmental impact transportation, and delivering against the UK鈥檚 focus on reducing emissions, the project also aimed to develop strong, commercially viable and sustainable partnerships with UK industry manufacturers and supply chains, whilst building expertise and capability within the UK workforce.

Nick Bloor, CEO, Triumph Motorcycles, said: 鈥淲e are incredibly proud to be able to share such positive outcomes from the completion of Project Triumph TE鈥�1, where the prototype demonstrator has exceeded many of our initial targets and expectations. Everyone on the team is thrilled with the results we have achieved with our partners, and how the outcomes of the project will feed into the electric future to come from Triumph.鈥�

Released today, the final testing results show how the TE-1 prototype has delivered on all targets and objectives following an extensive live testing programme which involved numerous assessments of the bike鈥檚 performance on a rolling road as well as on track.

WMG鈥檚 role in the project was to provide electrification expertise, and the critical vision to drive innovation from R&D to commercial impact, through modelling and simulation based on future market needs.

Highlights from the testing results include a standing start acceleration of 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds, peak power of 130kW (177PS / 175bhp) as well as peak torque of 109Nm (80 lb-ft), a 20-minute charge time (0-80%) and a 161km / 100-mile range based on official testing and projections. At 220kg (485 lb), the TE-1 prototype is also lighter than the equivalent electric bikes available currently by up to 25%.

Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, 91福利, explained: 鈥淭o meet our ambitious emission reduction targets in the UK we will have to rethink the way we travel, not only transitioning from ICE to electric propulsion vehicles, but also encouraging a modal shift away from private cars. Electric two wheelers have a pivotal role to play in the transport revolution as a zero-tailpipe emission option.

鈥淚n our partnership with Triumph, WMG used our research experience in electrification to demonstrate manufacturers can deliver products with a lower emission burden as well as outstanding performance-offering customers an EV that is great fun to ride.鈥�

Read more about WMG鈥檚 Transport Electrification research here: Energy (warwick.ac.uk)

More sustainable, low-carbon steel and electric vehicle batteries are the target of a new two-year technology development programme between WMG at the 91福利 and , as part of the .

The two major partners will come together to focus on developing new environmentally-friendly steel grades, coatings, films, and battery structures – enabling the growth of steel application across key industrial sectors as the UK advances towards a net-zero future.

This partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between both parties and will see them collaborate to make steel cleaner, greener and more responsive to the fast-changing needs of customers across a variety of sectors.

Researchers, led by Professor Claire Davis, at WMG, 91福利, will be working alongside experts at Tata Steel in the UK to translate and apply outputs from the early-stage research across key UK manufacturing priority areas including advanced materials and light-weighting, electrified propulsion system applications, digital manufacturing and net-zero manufacturing including circular supply chains.

The initial research activity will be focused across five core themes: Product metallurgy; Surface state optimisation; Non-metallic coatings; Future material applications and Material forming/joining and associated characterisation.

Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, 91福利, explained, 鈥淲MG has worked with Tata Steel on projects for many years, and this partnership will see the collaboration grow across key research themes, including decarbonising the supply chain and enabling future applications of steel across zero carbon propulsion systems and transport vehicles. This activity will include identifying new collaborative relationships and developing world-class technology for the future of the UK steel industry.鈥�

Dr. Sumitesh Das, Director of R&D, Tata Steel, explained: 鈥淭his is a critical partnership for us to help support new product development with low carbon footprints across various market segments. It also strengthens our ongoing work including building technology capability and expertise in the UK in manufacturing.鈥�

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

Press Contacts:

Simmie Korotane. Media Relations, 91福利, Email: mailto: Simmie.korotane@warwick.ac.uk

Tim Rutter, Head of Public Relations, Tata Steel UK, M: +44 (0)7850 990755, E: mailto: tim.rutter@tatasteeleurope.com

• The multi-million-pound [拢] project with WMG, 91福利, is pioneering battery technology in the UK
• Research from WMG, 91福利, will help Britishvolt to ramp up the availability of batteries for electric vehicles, and other applications, in the UK and beyond
• The project is accelerating Britishvolt鈥檚 business plan to deliver a 38GWh battery Gigaplant, one of the largest industrial investments ever undertaken in the UK
• Britishvolt recently announced exciting plans for a scale-up production centre in the epicentre of the automotive industry located at Hams Hall, West Midlands, creating what it calls a 鈥淏attery Corridor鈥� – linking the Northumberland site with the UK鈥檚 automotive heartland
• The Gigaplant will build enough cells each year for well over 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs, equivalent to [c]25% of current UK vehicle manufacture, securing Global Britain鈥檚 position on the sustainable battery production map

WMG has partnered with leading sustainable, low-carbon battery manufacturer, on a two-year multi-million-pound project which is pioneering battery technology in the UK.

More batteries for electric vehicles will become available in the UK thanks to research from WMG, at the 91福利 and its partnership with battery tech pioneer Britishvolt.

The project is helping Britishvolt to deliver a 38GWh battery Gigaplant, one of the largest industrial investments ever undertaken in the UK. The facility, located in the North-East of England, will quickly increase the availability of batteries required at commercial scale for the electric vehicle market – playing a key role in helping the UK reach its carbon net zero target by 2050.

Following an initial 12-month project, Britishvolt and WMG are now embarking on a two-year programme of work. WMG鈥檚 research will assist with battery cell development and optimisation including small-scale manufacturing to produce battery electrodes and cells using Britishvolt target materials sets, formulations and cell designs. These will then be tested according to Britishvolt鈥檚 agreed protocols.

Professor Dave Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG commented: 鈥淲MG is delighted to be supporting Britishvolt as they set up large scale battery manufacturing and research facilities in the UK. This industry will be critical for the future of the UK automotive and energy sectors. WMG has been investing over the last decade in the research and development capabilities needed to help Britishvolt and other battery companies to be internationally competitive now and in the future鈥�

Dr Allan Paterson, Chief Technical Officer, Britishvolt, concluded: 鈥淏ritishvolt are delighted to extend and expand our relationship and programme of work with WMG. The battery science, advanced materials and cell prototyping expertise and capability at WMG has directly, and positively, supported our battery technology development programme. This gives us not only an excellent basis to progress from, as we seek to scale and commercialise our technologies, but the relationship also enables Britishvolt to continue to develop our products further, as we continually strive to deliver best-in-class, market-leading, cell technologies to our customers.鈥�

Britishvolt: Power with Purpose

The Northumberland Gigaplant – Britishvolt鈥檚 first large, full-cycle Gigaplant in the UK - will have a total capacity of over 38 Gigawatt Hours by the end of the decade and will produce enough cells far in excess of 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs per year, intended primarily for use in the automotive industry. The development is a major boost for Northumberland, and the UK, delivering around 3,000 direct skilled jobs and another 5,000-plus in the associated supply chains.

Britishvolt鈥檚 collaborations with academia, industry and private enterprise will also help transition the UK from fossil fuels to a low carbon, battery-based electric future.

The release of an official A-sample battery cell to customers, which is scheduled later in 2022, will help to further accelerate commitments.

Britishvolt recently announced that it will develop its UK battery cell scale-up facility in the West Midlands, home to the internationally renowned battery ecosystem With a budget exceeding 拢200m, the plan looks to create upwards of 150 highly skilled, well-paid jobs; unifying the Britishvolt Northumberland Gigaplant with a centrally located scale-up/technology hub

The Hams Hall site will spearhead new cell formats and electro chemistries to create higher performance, production ready, batteries of the future whilst helping lower cell costs for more affordable EVs, aiding mass adoption

Britishvolt is one of the fastest growing battery technology companies in Europe and globally. The company is also in discussions with the Canadian Government regarding its expansion plans in the country.

Watch Britishvolt鈥檚 Battery Research video:

Staff from WMG, at the 91福利, were proud to support the 鈥檚 Beyond Your Limits employability programme, helping care-experienced young people with their future careers.

The new partnership between 91福利, led by the University鈥檚 Social Inclusion Group, and the EY Foundation has been made possible with funding through a UKRI Higher Education Innovation Fund.

Beyond Your Limits aims to develop key skills that are essential for helping young people reach their true potential as they take their first steps into a career, apprenticeship, or further education. A total of eight young people enrolled on the 2021/22 programme with the 91福利.

Part of the programme required the young people to take part in a workplace experience, so the Social Inclusion Group worked to align the young people with departments that would support their career aspirations and interests.

The programme has been specifically designed for care-experienced young people in education, aged 16-19. On the programme they receive paid employability training, work experience placements, a personal development grant, a business mentor and progression coach.

Three of the eight students were allocated to a WMG Research Fellow, Dr Craig Carnegie, who acted as a business host, providing five and a half days of structured work experience, facility tours and opportunities to network within WMG.

Craig explained: 鈥淚 created tailored individual programmes for the students; taking into account their personal interests of aerospace, manufacturing and photography. They completed the various tasks on campus during the Easter and May school holidays. This project gave them the opportunity to experience real world research and engineering, at a time when they are choosing their paths to take for their future careers.

鈥淚t was a very rewarding experience, and although the placements have now finished, I鈥檓 still available for contact if they need support with job applications, helping them to improve their employability and professional networks. They were a remarkable group of young people, and I am looking forward to seeing what they go on to achieve in the future.鈥�

Professor Margaret Low, WMG鈥檚 Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, explained: 鈥淐raig鈥檚 contribution to this project will have made a marked impact on these young people. It is so important that universities provide role models and support to the people who will make up the workforce of the future to ensure that science and engineering roles are accessible to people from all backgrounds. Thanks to Craig鈥檚 efforts with the EY Foundation WMG has been able to further support widening participation in higher education.

鈥淲e hope to be able to work with the EY Foundation and 91福利鈥檚 Social Inclusion Group again in the future."

Read more WMG Outreach news here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)

WMG, at the 91福利, is supporting in its intention to begin developing electric motorcycles in the UK after winning significant investment through a government scheme.

The iconic British motorcycle brand has been awarded funding by (APC) 19, an initiative which aims to assist businesses in the automotive sector in advancing their low-carbon offering while helping to accelerate the UK towards a net-zero automotive future, a future that Norton fully embraces.

As demand for electric motorcycles and micro-mobility solutions grow, the project, Zero Emission Norton, will expand Norton鈥檚 ever-growing electric vehicle engineering capabilities and develop world class electric motorcycles.

To deliver this ambitious project, Norton will work with specialist project partners who have the same vision for innovation in production of world-class electric motorcycles. The team encompasses Delta Cosworth, HiSpeed Limited, Formaplex Technologies, M&I Materials, INDRA and academic partner WMG at the 91福利.

Each partner on the project will have a specialist part to play in project Zero Emission Norton. Delta Cosworth will design the battery pack, while HiSpeed Limited bring motor design and manufacturing skills. Formaplex Technologies have expertise in precision composites manufacturing and M&I Materials will support on applications of dielectric cooling oils. INDRA specialise in vehicle to home charging technology and WMG major on battery technology, modelling and toolchain development.

Norton will work alongside these partners to develop world-class technology and products that will enhance the UK supply chain for all the critical components in electric vehicle (EV) technology including batteries, motors, chassis, cooling oils and vehicle to home chargers.

As a result, the 30-month project is expected to create a significant number of jobs in the UK in manufacturing and R&D as well as upskilling existing staff to be capable of electric motorcycle engineering. This in turn will help address the UK skills shortfall in that space while returning the UK to the position it last enjoyed in the 60鈥檚, as the global technology leader for motorcycles.

Andrew McGordon, Reader, Energy Applications Group at WMG, 91福利, said: 鈥淲MG is excited to be a partner in this project exploiting our research in battery and systems modelling to develop a zero-prototype modelling and validation methodology, including predictive smart charging and Vehicle to Grid technology. We will bring extensive electrification experience to this project having worked across many sectors already.鈥�

Robert Hentschel, CEO Norton Motorcycles commented: 鈥淭his significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan.Norton is an exemplar of modern luxury and unafraid to challenge the status quo, innovating for the future of mobility while staying true to our British heritage. It also brings into focus our desire to support the UK in its mission for a net-zero automotive future.

鈥淲orking alongside our world class partners, we鈥檙e confident that project Zero Emission Norton will eliminate the current dispute between a conventional and electric motorcycle to create EV products that riders desire – motorcycles that blends Norton鈥檚 uncompromising design DNA with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling.鈥�

Ian Constance, Chief Executive of the APC said: "The projects receiving today鈥檚 investment highlight the breadth of technologies needed to help the UK accelerate to net zero emissions. They鈥檙e reimagining not just vehicles, but transport in general.

"Norton are an iconic British brand with a proud history. From making motorcycles to support the second world war effort to developing the world鈥檚 first production superbike, they are now looking to the future with an electric bike that will deliver both performance and range radiating from a UK manufacturing base and strengthening highly-skilled jobs and green growth."

Ends

For any enquiries, please contact Stephanie Staff at Performance Communications on

07798 897 692 or email norton@performancecomms.com

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