Scottish Government invests £7 million in zero-emissions projects

The MSIP site play host to the LOCATE facility, which will benefit from £4 million of investment

The Scottish Government is investing £7 million to support zero emission mobility across two new projects, as it looks to build on recent technological breakthroughs such as the hydrogen train test conducted earlier this year.

The LOCATE facility, which will be based at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) site in Dundee, will receive £4 million to support heavy duty vehicle platform testing and innovation, particularly around hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrains. This project is being developed by the Scottish Government in partnership with the Power Networks Demonstration Centre and the Hydrogen Accelerator at the University of St Andrews.

The Power Networks Demonstration Centre, part of the University of Strathclyde, is receiving £3 million to focus on the decarbonisation of heavy duty vehicles through battery electrification and charging technology.

“I’m pleased the Scottish Government is investing a further £7 million to strengthen our collaborative work to develop zero emission mobility solutions for transport,” said Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson.

“Working across government, industry and academia, I want to see Scotland at the forefront of the revolution in zero-emission mobility. This action supports our world-leading climate targets as we work to eliminate transport emissions – but also helps us secure the benefits for Scottish businesses and industry in being the first to transition to a net-zero economy.

“We need no reminders of Scotland’s rich history when it comes to invention and new ideas. Through close partnerships, we’re enabling cutting edge innovation that responds to the climate emergency by building exciting clusters of innovation and collaboration. I’m excited to see this important work continue at pace and look forward to the results which will follow.

“The decision for LOCATE to be based at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc demonstrates the strength of what we offer at the Innovation Parc, to achieve zero emission solutions for the sustainable mobility sector,” added Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, MSIP.

“As well as providing excellent physical infrastructure, MSIP is and will be home to many companies developing technology in this industry. The LOCATE facility will align with those companies and our Innovation Campus, to create practical collaboration between industry and academia, in a physical space.

“This project demonstrates strong partnership working to deliver a future-thinking facility, with purpose. And that is what MSIP is all about. We welcome this investment and look forward to seeing what LOCATE will achieve.”

It’s hoped that the investment will enable Scotland to continue on its path of being a leader when it comes to sustainable urban transport. Not only was a hydrogen train tested earlier this year, but the world’s first hydrogen-powered double decker bus was put into service in Aberdeen.

“The electrification of transport will play a major role in Scotland, the UK and the world meeting its targets for carbon emissions reductions,” said Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Strathclyde.

“This new investment will help us to apply our internationally-recognised excellence in electrical power systems, power electronics, machines and manufacturing technologies towards solving one of the biggest challenges we face.

“We are delighted to be awarded this funding from the Scottish Government and to be working in partnership our colleagues at the University of St Andrews.”