by Michael Willoughby
The UK Government is to invest UKP300 million to develop cleaner, greener forms of transport it announced in a press release.
The government will provide UKP125 million, which will be supported by industry co-investment of up to UKP175 million to support exciting new technologies including flying urban taxis, electric passenger planes and even freight-carrying drones.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to the G7 Summit in Biarritz to urge greater action to tackle climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
The new transport research networks will be led by: the University of Birmingham, the University of Leeds, the University of Durham, Cardiff University and University College London.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) said: “New technologies like electric and autonomous aircraft can help us tackle climate change, making journeys greener and working better for passengers. This funding will support the extraordinary talents of UK industry and academia, and demonstrate our country’s position as a world-leading transport innovator.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “From our shopping choices to planning our holidays, we rightly want to make decisions that protect the planet. This UKP300 million investment will help speed up the development of greener flights, and new ways of delivering the goods we order online. The UK is already recognised around the world as a centre for green tech. Now we will lengthen our lead, supporting our industry and our citizens to reduce their carbon footprint.”
The Future of Flight Challenge is delivered by UK Research and Innovation. Industry will initially focus on smaller aircraft and drones to ensure the suitability of the new technologies before developing them for larger passenger aircraft.
The additional UKP5 million of funding has been awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
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