Triple success for STFC at the UK Energy Innovation Awards 2011

STFC is celebrating triple success following the announcement of the winners of the Energy Innovations Awards 2011. STFC's Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC), Atmos Technologies Ltd and Cella Energy Ltd each scooped a prestigious first prize award in their categories at The Hilton Deansgate Hotel in Manchester, 23 June 2011. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations across the UK that are leading the way in energy innovation and sustainability.

Representatives from STFC's I-TAC (left) receive their award from Chris Lowsley, MD at EA Technology ISI Ltd (right)

STFC's Innovations Technology Access Centre (I-TAC) scooped the Best Service Provider Award. Based at the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus (DSIC), I-TAC is a pioneering establishment that enables high-tech SMEs and researchers to access state-of-the-art technology that is rarely available to anyone but big budget companies. Only just over a year since it was established, almost one third of I-TAC's tenants are heavily involved in the energy sector. Most of these have experienced significant benefits as a direct result of being based within I-TAC, whether as a result of the unrivalled access to the facilities and expertise on-site, the networking opportunities available or the successful funding opportunities which have arisen as a result of being based there. Since it opened, I-TAC tenants have secured in total more than £270,000 in funding and investment and have created 18 new jobs.

One of these tenants, Atmos Technologies Ltd, also picked up the New Energy Generation Award. Atmos Technologies is developing innovative economic, efficient and non-toxic methods of generating hydrogen from sea water using sunlight energy. On collecting his award, Jeff Boardman, Managing Director of Atmos, praised I-TAC for the essential role it has played in enabling Atmos to win the award.

Martin Morlidge, I-TAC Manager said: "It is fantastic to see I-TAC recognised at the Energy Innovation Awards for our service provision, which also included helping Atmos Technologies, who won an award for their own research and development. This caps a highly successful year for I-TAC. We are all extremely happy and proud to have won."

Cella Energy Ltd, a new spin out from STFC's ISIS facility at its Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, also prevailed winning the Consumer Benefit Award. Cella Energy is developing revolutionary technology that allows hydrogen to be stored in a low-cost, safe and practical way, making it suitable for widespread use as a carbon-free alternative to petrol or diesel.

Catherine Ewart, Head of STFC's Futures Programmes said: "Energy is a key research challenge for the UK and, through its Energy Futures Programme, STFC is making major efforts to address this challenge by helping to find and support new and innovative ways to deliver secure, clean and efficient energy. It is fantastic news for STFC to be so closely associated with the success of the three award winners yesterday."

Now in its second year, the Energy Innovation Awards is run by the Energy Innovation Centre, a partnership between CE Electric, Electricity North West, Scottish Power, Scottish & Southern Energy, NWDA and EA Technology Group.

Notes to Editors

Images available

Martin Morlidge and Andrew Bennett of STFC's I-TAC (left) receive their award from Chris Lowsley, MD at EA Technology ISI Ltd (right).

Contact Information

• Wendy Ellison
  STFC Press Officer
  Tel: +44 (0)1925 603 232
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