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Sunderland gears up for low-carbon conference

The major challenges and opportunities for the low carbon vehicle industry will be driven forward at a one-day conference and exhibition in the region this month.

The North East is widely recognised to be at the forefront of the UK’s low-carbon vehicle industry and this event brings together the very latest thinking, research and development from key figures and projects across the region.

The University of Sunderland’s Institute for Automotive & Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP), is staging the event on February 29, at its Industry Centre on Sunderland’s Enterprise Park.

Working in conjunction with The Energy and Environmental Industries Forum (EEIF), the conference - Low Carbon Vehicles And Their Role in the Low Carbon Economy - aims to plug into the region’s latest research and development.

There will be opportunities to learn more about the challenges presented in this emerging market, as well as witness first-hand pioneering technology being developed in the region during a workshop tour.

There’s also a chance for organisations to take up a space at one of the exhibition stands, showcasing their own products and technological advancements in low-carbon vehicles.

Chairing the conference, AMAP operations manager Adrian Morris, said: “At this time of rising fuel prices and increasing concern over global warming, it is not surprising that much effort and investment is being spent reducing energy needs and carbon emissions.

“This event will bring together speakers from industry, local government and academia to present ideas and open discussion regarding the potential that this emerging sector might present.

“In addition the event will act as a showcase for regional companies to demonstrate their outputs from recent projects.”

The EEIF is the voice for the North East’s low carbon and environmental goods and services industries.

Guest speakers include:

- Dr Colin Herron, Zero Carbon Futures – low carbon vehicle specialist and visiting professor at the Universityof Sunderland.

- Mark Nailis, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Cooperative – provide a range of technical services including the advanced manufacture, design, testing and evaluation of fuel cells.

- Christian Bunke, Inova Power – development of hydrogen technology that could double the range of electric vehicles.

- Les Clark, Sunderland City Council Head of Street Scene.

As part of the event, a free park-and-ride scheme will operate from the Stadium of Light to AMAP. In keeping with the theme of the conference, delegates will be transported to the venue on the latest in low carbon vehicle technology – a hybrid electric bus (Sunderland Connect 700) which is being provided by leading bus operator Go North East.

Kevin Carr, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “Go North East’s own carbon reduction objectives are very much aligned with those of the City, so we are delighted to be involved in this conference.”

Councillor James Blackburn, Portfolio Holder for Attractive and InclusiveCity, at Sunderland City Council, added: “Sunderland is proud to be developing a reputation as a leader in the low carbon industry.

“The city and the wider region are perfectly placed to develop this even further and the conference is a fantastic way to bring those businesses together which can achieve that.”

The demand for low carbon vehicles - and low carbon technologies generally - has grown significantly in recent years but it’s still very much an emerging market. There’s lots of potential for growth and new commercial opportunities will undoubtedly develop as technology improves and the need to cut carbon emissions increases.

The North East already has considerable expertise in this area with a growing supply chain of vehicle and components specialists and has a real opportunity to be at the forefront of future innovations and commercial opportunities as they arise.

The conference is a great place to share ideas, develop contacts and demonstrate our expertise in this area.“

Delegate fees include refreshments on arrival and a light finger food buffet lunch. Please e-mail nikki@renewplus.co.uk as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Exhibition opportunities available - please contact nikki@renewplus.co.uk for details

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nikki Silcock .