Aspira has been successful in winning its second Innovate UK award. This is for UK registered organisations for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy. Aspira will develop their spray application using a bespoke drone to improve the operating efficiency of wind turbine technology This award is incredibly competitive with less than 3% of applicants being successful, we are immensely proud to have won this.
Aspira will use this grant to develop its drone technology to support the Wind Turbine sector, this is an 18-month project where we utilise our bespoke drone technology and coating expertise to clean existing turbines to reduce drag and increase efficiency. It is known that detritus/salt build-up has a detrimental effect on the efficiency of the wind turbines (estimate at approximately £25k per turbine per annum in lost revenue).
Like many of the sectors we target, access is an issue. We will enhance our surface tracking and proximity flight technology enabling us to safely navigate around wind turbines. This will be more effective than traditional methods such as rope access which is slow, dangerous and impractical in many situations and giving us the edge over existing drone technology which is currently unsuitable.
“This is excellent news for the company and we’re immensely proud to have won this highly competitive grant. It is evidence of the belief Innovate UK have in the project and our vision. We are confident we can significantly improve the energy generated from Wind Turbines and positively contribute to the UK Gov’s Net Zero policy. The next 18 months will be challenging but we have every confidence we will emerge as a pioneering UK grown technology company.”
Jonathan Fenning, Aspira Managing Director
Aspira’s mission is to develop drones and coatings for good and this project will enhance our offering further. We are keen to partner with organisations working in the Wind Turbine space to develop this. If you would like to discuss further, please drop us an email at info@aspira-solutions.co.uk .
‘Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency’.
Innovate UK drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses, such as ourselves, to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. They connect businesses, like Aspira, to the partners, customers and investors that can help us turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth. They fund business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into R&D. Innovate UKs support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions.
For more information visit www.innovateuk.ukri.org
Aspira – Drones and Coatings for Good
Aspira is a drone and coatings technology company that specialises in developing revolutionary drone technology to help support companies reach their green agenda targets.