The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) continues to lead England’s Northwest towards a low carbon economy, awarding a £77,149 Grant for Research and Development to Lancashire-based GreenUrban Technologies.

Formed in 2004, GreenUrban Technologies employs 8 people. In addition to project management and sustainable transport technologies and sales, the company also operates in the marketing and distribution of Greenhouse gas and harmful emissions reduction technology products.

NWDA funding will support the research of a new technology that could be applied to a range of diesel engines across a range of sectors. Potential product applications include small engines for canal boats, through to very large engines up to one megawatt, such as those used in temporary power generator sets. Technology applications suitable for truck and bus engines are also being evaluated.

Nigel Standley, GreenUrban Director said:

“Successful R&D of the technology will enable a step change reduction in diesel particulate trap costs, which will change the scale of implementation of devices and enable vast reductions of harmful emissions and greenhouse gas producing black carbon.”

The project will last 10 months.

The company is planning to use local testing facilities and Salford University’s expertise in internal combustion engines.

The company already has a presence in the diesel engine particulate reduction market. If the Research project is successful, the company would undertake a Product Development phase that is expected to last a further 12 months. The company would then consider whether to manufacture themselves or sub-contract and assemble. The market opportunities are considered to be extremely good in view of the growing demand for environmental solutions to emission problems.

Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Economic Development at the NWDA said:

“This important project is being led by two professionals who, between them, have many years experience within the automotive industry. This project has the potential to make a significant impact on the reduction of emissions from diesel engines.

“The NWDA has recently announced £30million* of investment for the region towards 4 carbon reducing initiatives. Overall these will support the development and installation of low carbon technologies by SMEs, encourage low carbon innovation in all sectors and ensure that the Northwest is at the vanguard of practical action for carbon reduction initiatives.”

Alex Mullen, GreenUrban Director of Sales said:

“The NWDA support has given us the confidence and resource assistance to invest in a significant technology feasibility programme that will create short and long term employment and potential growth opportunities in the Northwest for both ourselves and our supply partners.”

The Grants for Research and Development scheme aims to help entrepreneurs and business owners introduce innovative products and processes including research trials and product testing. Grant for Research and Development is designed specifically to support innovative projects that have a solid commercial potential.

The NWDA is playing a crucial role in response to the current economic downturn, with a number of actions being taken to meet the needs of businesses during these financially challenging times. To keep updated on the range of support being offered by the NWDA go to - www.nwda.co.uk/supportingbusiness

For more information on business support visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

For more information on Finance for Business please visit www.nwdabusinessfinance.co.uk