CleanTech start–up Lontra has secured a £170,000 Applied Research grant from The Carbon Trust. The grant will support the prototype programme of Lontra’s novel, energy efficient compressor technology.

The Carbon Trust is an independent company set up by the UK government to help the UK meet its climate change obligations. The Carbon Trust’s Garry Staunton: “Most manufacturers depend on compressed air as a source of energy – it’s often referred to as the ‘fourth utility’ after gas, electricity and water. However, we know that 30 per cent of the energy used to compress air is lost through leaks, making innovations like Lontra’s compressor vital if UK’s industry is to become more energy efficient.

Grants are a key part of the Carbon Trust’s work in encouraging low carbon innovation: through the Applied Research programme we’re backing technology that we think has huge carbon–saving potential, but which requires a further boost before it becomes a commercial reality. Our aim is to support the best emerging low carbon thinking, and bring the worlds of science and business closer together by converting theory into potential profit.”

Simon Hombersley, Business Development Director: “This project is the last development phase before we commercialise this energy efficient technology. It’s an exciting time for the company, and we’re grateful for the support of the Carbon Trust as we build practical prototypes. We’re pleased by the endorsement of the energy efficiency potential of the technology that this grant represents, from such a well–respected organisation.”