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IAAPS opens £70m research and innovation centre at Bristol & Bath Science Park

The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems is supporting the transport industry in the transition to net zero

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Abigail TurnerSouth West Business Editor

10:28, 28 SEP 2023
Updated16:14, 28 SEP 2023

IAAPS opens £70m research and innovation centre — IAAPS opens at Bristol and Bath Science Park (Image: University of Bath)

The University of Bath has opened its new £70m research and innovation centre.

The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at Bristol & Bath Science Park is working towards developing clean, sustainable and affordable technologies to support the transport industry in the transition to net zero.

The official opening on Thursday (September 28) was attended by chief secretary to the treasury, John Glen MP, prominent guests and dignitaries from industry, academia, trade organisations as well as representatives from regional and national Government, including WECA Metro Mayor Dan Norris and Chris Skidmore, MP, chair of the Net Zero Review.

Read more: South West biotechnology company completes funding round with £500,000 support

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Bath, IAAPS builds on over 40 years of advanced propulsion systems expertise at the university, working in collaboration with industry and academia to deliver transformational research into cleaner, smarter engines, powertrains and driver technologies.

The centre has recently seen further multi-million pound investment in pioneering hydrogen research and testing capabilities, including the installation of a green hydrogen manufacturing plant – the first of its kind in the South West of England - as well as a closed loop cryogenic helium system.

IAAPS is set to facilitate a number of initiatives, including a regional H2 and Sustainable Transport Acceleration Hub, working with over 30 cross-sector partners to stimulate green growth in the region and to provide an important link in the national H2 research infrastructure.

The 11,300 m2 site based at the Bristol & Bath Science Park includes the necessary capability to carry out research and development of all current powertrain systems, including pure electric, hybrid electric, battery, ICE and hydrogen-based propulsion. This is in addition to an extensive modelling and ‘digital twin’ capability.

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