EU funds support low carbon economy in Wales

Nearly £3m EU funds will back a new Cardiff University project to help scientific researchers, public sector, SMEs and industrial specialists develop fully scalable technology for low carbon energy systems.

The FLEXISapp project will focus on collaborative research into components suitable for use in sustainable energy systems at a commercial level, working with companies based in or moving into Wales.

This project builds on the success of the ongoing five-year FLEXIS research programme which is supported by £15m of EU funds.
FLEXISapp aims to exploit the existing research pipeline to develop a resilient, affordable, secure energy system across Wales which has the potential for global application.

A physical site based in the Neath Port Talbot area, known as the FLEXIS demonstration area, will feature as a demonstration hub to test and showcase new products as component parts of functioning energy systems.

Proper measurement and monitoring helps to prove the efficiency of new products, establishing them as commercially viable solutions, and encouraging take up from local and international investors working in the sustainable energy industry.

This project will help to develop new secure and affordable, proved and tested, low carbon energy systems and technologies at a commercial level, which can be implemented locally in Wales as well as world-wide. The growth of the low-carbon economy will help to tackle poverty and social exclusion, alleviating poverty by offering more efficient and cost effective supply solutions.

Counsel General and Brexit Minister Jeremy Miles, who oversees EU funding in Wales, said: “Wales is now firmly established as a leading scientific centre for research into flexible energy systems. It’s vital that we continue to develop creative solutions to global energy efficiency challenges, and help to lead the transition towards a greener, low-carbon economy.

“This project will help progress new products and technologies to market, bringing much closer the availability of sustainable energy systems at a fully functional commercial level. It will promote greener products and improved air quality, as well as driving economic growth and creating new jobs in Wales, ultimately promoting a more equal, more prosperous, and greener Wales.

“By promoting collaboration and encouraging a joined up approach to climate change issues, EU funding continues to drive progress in R&D, science, infrastructure and skills in Wales, and plays a vital part in modernising our economy, increasing productivity and developing employment and business opportunities.”

Professor Hywel Thomas, FLEXIS lead principal investigator added: “We are delighted to receive further EU support to develop the Demonstration Area covering Port Talbot, which will model energy and CO2 flows, alternative energy generation and distribution processes as well as improving the efficiency of existing business and the potential for new businesses in the area.

The award is testament to the commitment of the partners at the heart of this project: Neath Port Talbot Council, Tata Steel and the FLEXIS Research Group.”