A consortium led by Midlands-based company Lontra has been awarded a £1.5m Energy Catalyst grant to apply the firm’s technology to engine technology.
Awarded by Innovate UK, the Energy Catalyst grant aims to support business-led innovations and bring concepts to commercial readiness.
The consortium includes Lontra; 2020 Power Generation Ltd (2PG); Integral Powertain Ltd (IP), and Nottingham University and is looking to increase the fuel efficiency of the 2PG used for 1MW power generation. This type of engine is widely used with uses ranging from data centres to manufacturing plants.
Related articles:
- Weetabix set for £30m investment
- Magnomatics secure funding for CO2-free vehicle tech
- Chinese investment sees British manufacturer take off
The two year project hopes to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, contributing to the government’s goals to reduce energy emissions by 35% by 2020.
The investment for this project will help to take Lonta’s latest breakthrough, Blade Compressor, which involves turbo compounding technology, from concept to the testing and hardware stages.
Lontra’s Blade Compressor represents a step change in air compression technology, the patent protected, double acting compressor delivers three principle benefits – oil-free operation, increased reliability, and significant energy efficiency improvements.
Earlier this year Lontra opened a new advanced Technology Centre at its site in Napton to develop its clean sheet compressor technology to bring greater energy efficient conceptions to market.
CEO and founder of Lontra, Steve Lindsey explained: “Leading the consortium is a first for Lontra and marks significant progress in the development of the Blade Compressor.
“It is a huge opportunity for Lontra to take the lead on new innovations within the engineering sector to harness the global market and the huge energy savings our product offers.”
Peter Dirken from Innovate UK added: “Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst grant is designed to back the most innovative solutions to develop sustainable energy technology. As a UK-based consortium, Lontra and partners of the project are powering forward to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. The investment in homegrown innovations bolsters the UK’s competitive edge on a global scale.”
