Plans have been approved for a £5mn green infrastructure project that will support tech companies as they develop low carbon technologies.
On 5 July, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) announced that it will see MIRA Technology Park transformed into a low carbon research centre, bringing with it transformational charging and testing infrastructure for both electric and hydrogen vehicles. LLEP has agreed funding with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) and the owner of the park. A planning application for the project has already been approved by HBBC.
The hub will see a £2.5mn refurbishment by HORIBA MIRA of the existing technology building, as well as £2.5mn investment from the LLEP and HBBC in the installation of significant electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen infrastructure. This will allow safe testing and handling of EV and related systems at the Leicestershire Enterprise Zone site.
Engineers and scientists on the site will be able to further research and development around batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and other low carbon and alternative fuel technologies with this new infrastructure. It is hoped the investment will help to attract a growing number of players in the transport sector which are developing low carbon technologies.
