Engineering news
Renewables provide more electricity than fossil fuels for first year ever
Professional Engineering
Renewable energy sources generated more electricity than fossil fuels for the first year ever in 2020, according to the new Digest of UK Energy Statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. A record 43.1% of the country’s electricity came from renewable sources, up from 36.9% in 2019. This was mainly due to increased wind generation, the report said.
Government targets high-temperature gas reactors
E&T
High-temperature gas reactors could be the most promising route forward for the development of advanced modular reactors (AMRs), the government has said. A £170m demonstration programme exploring AMRs’ potential for the UK is expected to be finished by the early 2030s.
World’s most powerful tidal turbine starts exporting power
Professional Engineering
The world’s most powerful tidal turbine has started exporting power to the grid. The O2 floating turbine – developed by Scottish engineering firm Orbital Marine Power – commenced power generation at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, off the north coast of the Scottish mainland. A subsea cable connects the 2MW offshore unit to the local onshore electricity network.
Rockets could fly from UK by 2022
Professional Engineering
Spacecraft and satellites could launch from UK soil next year after spaceflight regulations were passed yesterday (29 July). The legislation provides the framework to regulate the UK space industry and enable launches to take place from British soil for the first time.
Car manufacturers still struggling after Covid-19 slump
E&T
Production at UK car manufacturers has improved significantly since last year, according to a new report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), but is still only at levels not seen otherwise since 1953. A global chip shortage and self-isolating staff are hitting production levels, the report said.
Manufacturers call for self isolation changes
Process Engineering
Manufacturers’ organisation Make UK has called on the government to bring forward the end date for fully vaccinated people having to self-isolate after being ‘pinged’. Two-thirds of surveyed companies backed the call, with 13% saying that isolation has halted some production.
5 key takeaways from Advanced Manufacturing week
Professional Engineering
The fast pace of global innovation means it is sometimes hard to know the current state of the art in manufacturing – let alone where it will be in five or 10 years. Thankfully, our Engineering Futures series of events kicked off with five days of bite-size briefings dedicated to Advanced Manufacturing. Here is a round-up of some of the most important takeaway messages of the week.
Digital manufacturing gets £53m boost
The Engineer
The government has announced a £53m investment into five new digital manufacturing research centres and projects. New university centres include the Research Centre for Smart, Collaborative Industrial Robotics and the Research Centre for Connected Factories.
MOD awards £250m contract for Tempest design and development
Professional Engineering
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a contract worth approximately £250m to progress the design and development of the Tempest fighter jet system. Described as the UK’s Future Combat Air System, Tempest is expected to provide an advanced fighter jet alongside uncrewed aircraft and advanced data systems. It could enter service from the mid-2030s.
Transport for Wales trains going through testing
Rail Technology Magazine
A fleet of 35 new Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains (Flirts) for Transport for Wales are being tested in Switzerland. 24 of the units, being built for the Wales and Borders network by Stadler, will be capable of running on diesel, overhead wires and battery power.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.