Twin green transport projects net £7m in Scottish Government funding

Two green transport projects have attracted a combined £7 million in Scottish Government funding support.

The Locate facility, which will be based at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) on the former tyre factory site in Dundee, will shortly receive £4m to support heavy duty vehicle platform testing and innovation, particularly around hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric powertrains.

The project is being developed by the Government in partnership with the Power Networks Demonstration Centre and the Hydrogen Accelerator at the University of St Andrews.

Meanwhile, the Power Networks Demonstration Centre, which is part of the University of Strathclyde, is to get £3m to focus on the decarbonisation of heavy duty vehicles through battery electrification and charging technology.

The Locate facility will be based at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) on the former tyre factory site in Dundee.

Both facilities are closely related, supporting Scotland’s industrial base for heavy-duty vehicles in the marine, aerospace, road and rail sectors.

Sarah Petrie, innovation director at MSIP said: “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.

“As well as providing excellent physical infrastructure, MSIP is and will be home to many companies developing technology in this industry.”

Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “The electrification of transport will play a major role in Scotland, the UK and the world meeting its targets for carbon emissions reductions.

“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.”

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