A highly innovative new design of internal combustion engine has secured a £75k grant from the DTI. The funding will enable environmental technology start-up Lontra to complete proof of concept work on its Lindsey Engine™.

The Lindsey Engine™ is a clean sheet, patented design for an engine that could deliver very significant improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. The target market is electricity generation, in particular Combined Heat and Power, where the engine’s low heat to power ratio is a significant benefit. Lontra’s initial modelling indicates an increase in efficiency in the region of 30% over traditional reciprocating engines. The DTI grant will cover development work by the company and its consultants to characterise the engine.

Lontra Advisory Board Member Dr Alex Moulton CBE said: “The Lindsey Engine™ is an exciting concept and Lontra is a strong team, with the skills to make a success of the invention.  I am pleased that the DTI has recognised the potential of the technology and the company at this early stage.”

Nigel Griffiths, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise said:

“The Grant for Research and Development has helped many thousands of small businesses innovate and develop and I am delighted that the DTI has been able to support Lontra’s innovative work in the field of energy efficiency and fuel economy. ”

Lontra was founded earlier this year with the aim of exploiting environmental technologies. The Lindsey Engine™ is Lontra’s primary project, and the company is providing matched funding for the development.

Lontra’s Business Development Director Simon Hombersley said: “The DTI’s support recognises not just the technical innovation of the engine but also the capability of Lontra to drive forward the development programme. We’re grateful not just for the grant support, but also the endorsement that grant provides.”