Energy research

BAE Systems has announced a £1m three-year partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to conduct research into energy management.

The initiative recognises the need to better manage energy in the defence sector, which will cut emissions, reduce overall cost and secure supply.

Research will focus on the development of intelligent energy management systems for use in the defence sector, initially on BAE Systems sites across the UK but with potential for wider use both in the defence industry and on military bases.

Longer term, the research partners aim to extend these systems to other sectors to enhance the competitiveness of British industry.

The partnership will also investigate new energy technologies that could enable unmanned aircraft systems to operate more efficiently, helping them to stay in the air for longer.

Nigel Whitehead, group managing director, Programmes & Support at BAE Systems, said: 'Environmental issues are a growing concern for the military and the defence industry. Our partnership with UCLan will show how engineers can tackle these issues and is part of a wider energy management strategy at BAE Systems.'

The partnership will be delivered under the guidance of a BAE Systems/UCLan governance group. UCLan will establish a Centre for Energy and Power Management, which will be located within its Centre for Sustainable Development in Preston, Lancashire.