Innovation UK > News > Innovation UK Vol5-2 > Steering towards a low carbon future

The Low-Carbon Agenda

During the past year there has been continued growth in interest and activity in reducing vehicle CO² emissions. In May 2009, the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team published its report setting out a 20-year vision for the UK automotive sector. Central to its work was setting out a technology roadmap for exploiting UK opportunities in low-carbon vehicles and fuels.

A particular feature of the low-carbon landscape in recent times has been the ongoing promotion of the electrification of road transport, exemplified by the announcement by the Department for Transport of £250m of consumer incentives available from 2011 to stimulate the uptake of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

This momentum has continued with the launch of the £1m AlternativeFuel Infrastructure Grant Programme, which provides funding for electric, natural gas and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, together with the announcement of a number of regional and city-based electrification initiatives.

What is the Low Carbon KTN?

The smart ed electric vehicle, which is currently on a 100-vehicle trial in the UK supported by Cenex, is powered by an electric drive developed and fitted by Lichfield-based Zytek

The Low Carbon Knowledge Transfer Network (LC KTN) provides a single national overarching network for the UK low-carbon automotive community. The LC KTN aims to promote collaboration, best practice and knowledge sharing by bringing together a variety of stakeholders, including businesses (suppliers and customers), universities, research and technology organisations, the finance community and other intermediaries. The LC KTN works with the national KTN network, plus other relevant stakeholders in the low-carbon landscape, including national, regional and local government.

The LC KTN combines:

• A web portal providing technology, market and policy-related content on UK and international developments
• Networking events to bring together communities in order to promote technology transfer and innovation.

The Low Carbon KTN is continuing the low-carbon automotive work of the Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology KTN, forming an integral part of enhanced knowledge transfer activities for the transport sector. The Low Carbon KTN will still work closely with its fuel cell colleagues, who are now part of the Energy Generation and Supply KTN.

What are Low Carbon Technologies?

The Low Carbon KTN focuses on technologies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles. The technologies fall into four main categories:

• Lightweight materials for vehicle weight reduction
• Powertrain development for improved fuel efficiency, including advanced engine technologies as well as electric and hybrid electric drivetrains
• Driveline developments for improved system efficiency based on advances in mechanical and electric components
• Powertrain developments designed to enable the use of alternative fuels, including renewable biofuels and hydrogen, that can help lower well-to-wheels carbon dioxide emissions

The Low Carbon KTN in action

Knowledge Transfer Seminars

Cenex CEO Robert Evans speaking at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Transport Conference organised by the KTN in March 2009.

Collaboration and consortium formation

The Low Carbon KTN organised a number of events and workshops to promote collaboration and consortium formation for collaborative R&D calls issued by the Technology Strategy Board this year.

Bringing together the supply and demand-sides of low-carbon vehicles

Science Minister Lord Drayson (right) and Technology Strategy Board member Iain Gray at the 2008 National Low Carbon Vehicle Event, which was supported by the Low Carbon KTN. The programme offered a unique ?three in one? opportunity for the UK low-carbon industry ? a low-carbon vehicle technology exhibition; a ride and drive; and a technical conference.

How do I join the Low Carbon KTN?

The Low Carbon KTN is managed by Cenex, the UK?s first national centre of excellent for low-carbon and fuel-cell technologies. Cenex works with SMMT Foresight Vehicle to deliver the Low Carbon KTN.

For more information, contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1455 292455
E-mail:
Website: www.lowcarbonktn.org.uk