UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is investing £16.7m in 10 different projects which are working to build the manufacturing capability Britain needs for its green electric revolution.
The UK-based projects each aim to help develop the self-sufficiency of Britain’s supply chains for power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD).
UKRI’s driving the electric revolution challenge, director, Will Drury, said: “The coming electric revolution presents an opportunity to put the UK at the forefront of a burgeoning industry, creating manufacturing jobs and prosperity across the country.
“By building a sovereign supply chain, we can help make sure zero emission technologies are truly zero emission, while both mitigating against overseas supply chain disruption and cementing the UK’s place at the forefront of a burgeoning industry.”
The projects in UKRI’s supply chains for net zero competition cover a wide range of technologies and processes. This includes one project, featuring The University of Warwick and led by Ricardo UK, which will develop sustainable electric motors that need 12kg less rare earth metals per motor than current models, making them more sustainable.
This project will also enable the UK to scale motor production and transition to electrified transport while reducing the impact of changes in international markets.
Other projects cover plans to develop sovereign supply chains for manufacturing a range of PEMD components and products. UKRI said these are vital for ensuring the UK can play a leading role in the future of electric transport, utilities and industry.
The £16.7m investment announced is part of an overall funding pot of £80 million. Of this £33m is going to create a network of regional industrialisation centres, based at existing areas of expertise in Strathclyde, Sunderland, Nottingham and Newport.
In addition, £6m of driving the electric revolution funding will go towards training the skilled workforce we need to support the UK’s high-tech green economy of the future.
