Oct 11 - Western Mail

A centre aimed at finding ways to generate energy more cleanly and efficiently was officially opened yesterday. Cardiff University's Gas Turbine Research Centre (GTRC) in Margam, Port Talbot, will test a variety of alternative fuels used for generating power for electricity and aircraft. It will research more efficient fuel use, alternative fuels and the reduction of pollutants.

Two rigs used at the centre were donated by international technology company QinetiQ, which selected Cardiff University's School of Engineering ahead of several other EU contenders.

Professor Phil Bowen, of the School of Engineering and the director of the centre, said, "Gas turbines generate something like 20% of the world's power through aircraft or electrical power generation. There are only a few combustion research centres like this worldwide, and the Gas Turbine Research Centre offers some unique features.

"We hope to provide significant research and development support to the international energy sector as it strives to meet demanding global challenges ahead and, along with such facilities as the General Electric gas turbine power plant at Baglan Bay, establish South Wales as a hub for cleaner power industries."

Work is under way on research contracts at the facility, including a pounds 140,000 EU programme in association with QinetiQ and 20 other EU partners to test alternative liquids and the gaseous fuels produced from biomass and waste gases.

Another industrially- sponsored programme taking place is the study of the formation of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons within the combustor.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who opened the centre, said, "This world class facility is another example of how Wales is becoming a hub for high-value, high-tech research and development. It also means that young people don't have to leave Wales to find an exciting and challenging career in the science and technology sector." The cost of the new facility was supported by a pounds 3.85m donation from Objective One European Regional Development Fund and pounds 350,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government. The university also received around pounds 600,000 from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales for a new viewing section for the equipment.

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