Bristol and Bath Science Park hosts national summit

Leading manufacturers from across the South West came to the Bristol and Bath Science Park last week for the Government’s Manufacturing Summit. As well as the opportunity to show regional innovation and development,the summit hosted key U.K. industry figures who heard Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announce £ 1 billion additional support for the Regional Growth Fund.

The summit particularly discussed ‘commercialisation of new technology and research, promoting manufacturing and increasing exports.’ The Bristol and Bath Science Park was opened in September 2011, encouraging local businesses in many areas. Bonnie Dean, chief executive of the Bristol & Bath Science Park said that the park is also “…part of a long term objective to create a place for industry, academia and government to collaborate and to accelerate the commercialisation of those collaborations." For more details on the summit and Science Park read the full article here http://www.bbsp.co.uk/bristol-and-bath-science-park-news/

Great potential in marine power

Marine energy could be the next growth area in environmental technology and employment but the U.K. must not ‘squander its lead’ in technology development, as it is perceived to have done in the wind power industry. This was one of the conclusions of a recent report by the Energy and Climate Committee. The Carbon Trust estimated that marine power could create 10,000 jobs by 2020, according to a review of the report on the BBC News website. The Carbon Trust also estimated the value of the global market as £340bn in 2050, with the UK claiming about one-fifth of the business. Tim Yeo MP, the committee's chairman, said, “It should be a priority for the government to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of developments in this technology.” For more details on the readiness of the U.K. to benefit from such technology potential, read the full article on the BBC website.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17078726

The first carbon neutral city

Achieving success in the business of reducing emissions and fossil fuel usage doesn’t always have to come from the latest environmental technology. Or at least, mixing the latest innovations with methods that have been tried and tested over the centuries may be a way to move forward. On the Fast:track section of the BBC website, Fiona Foster looks at Masdar in Abu Dhabi where aims to create a carbon neutral environment mean experimenting with new and old technology.
Ideas like grouping buildings together to create shade and a modern version of an Arabic air tunnel, often built in desert buildings, have reduced ground temperatures and the need for air-conditioning . Elsewhere in the city, the biggest solar energy plant in the Middle East provides 10 megawatts of power. The development is a huge contrast to other hi-energy projects such as the huge dome for skiing when it’s 40°C outside. Watch the fascinating video at htttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/fast_track/9695251.stm

Scholarships for energy studies

New scholarship and research grants in both energy and environmental studies have been announced by Scottish Power. The awards will help potential Masters students choosing to study at one of four universities: University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London and University of Liverpool.
In previous years, Scottish Power have funded studies in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment. In the article on the website www.postgrad.com with details of many postgraduate study programs, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Scottish Power, Ann Loughrey, says, “ We believe that investing in skills development and education is an important contribution towards developing future skilled leaders and professionals equipped with the highest level of training for the industry.” The funding includes enrolment costs and a living allowance. The closing date for entries is Feb 29th for interested potential energy and environmental engineers. http://www.postgrad.com/Energy_and_environment_scholarships_available/newsstory/1062/