Engineering news
PM pledges 100% clean energy by 2035
BBC
All of the UK’s electricity will come from clean energy sources by 2035, prime minister Boris Johnson pledged this week. Offshore wind energy and other renewable sources will have a large role to play, while nuclear power and renewable energy storage will also be important.
’We need to move faster’: industry responds to 2035 target
Energy Live News
Key industry figures and organisations responded after the PM’s pledge. RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail said: “We need to move even faster, building more onshore and offshore wind projects without delay, as well as harnessing the full potential of innovative technologies like floating wind, renewable hydrogen and marine energy.”
7 lessons for a net-zero future
Professional Engineering
Professional Engineering’s Sustainability in Engineering event was perfectly timed to offer guidance as engineers consider how to meet the PM’s 2035 target. Here are seven lessons for a net-zero future, as discussed at the virtual event.
Royal Mail trials delivery drone
The Engineer
An autonomous drone has delivered post between the islands of Kirkwall and North Ronaldsay in Orkney, Scotland. The Windracer Ultra UAV can carry up to 100kg of mail between the islands, which are 56km apart.
Dry ice blasts leaves off the line
E&T
A rail-cleaning system that uses dry ice pellets to freeze and blast leaves off the line has been deployed on Northern passenger trains. The system, developed by engineers at the University of Sheffield, could help prevent delays.
Drone copies ‘simulated expert’ to tackle unknown environments
Professional Engineering
An autonomous drone has avoided collisions while flying at high speeds through an unknown environment thanks to lessons from a ‘simulated expert’. A team from the University of Zurich in Switzerland trained the quadrotor using an algorithm that flew through simulated obstacles.
Royal Navy tests jet-propelled drones for attack drills
New Atlas
The Royal Navy has tested jet-propelled Banshee drones in a fighter attack drill. The navy hopes the drones could enable operational training anywhere in the world, amongst other applications.
Lower cost ventilator could be used in developing countries
E&T
A team of engineers at Imperial College London have developed a low-cost ventilator without proportional valves or flow sensors. The devices could be used in developing countries.
Wastewater energy project and 12 others get Royal Commission boost
Professional Engineering
An autonomous reactor to extract energy from wastewater and a nanocoating aimed at efficient commercial production of hydrogen could be one step closer after their developers received backing from the Royal Commission. The industrial fellowships, including funding of up to £100,000, were awarded to 13 young innovators.
Ocado plans autonomous delivery trials
The Engineer
Online grocery shop Ocado will trial autonomous delivery technology after partnering with Wayve, an autonomous mobility start-up. Wayve technology will be fitted to Ocado vans on some urban delivery routes.
Join IMechE and Professional Engineering at THE virtual fair for early engineering careers and find your perfect job! Register for EngRec 2021 FREE today.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.