Fuel reduction project focus of Harper Adams University tie-up

The farming-focused university has signed a deal with GKN Land Systems, which has a major operation in Telford, to look at the development of new technologies such as electric drive systems, and how they can cut fuel use.

It is hoped the scheme could cut fuel use by farmers by up to 25 per cent.

GKN Land Systems, which designs and manufactures systems for the agricultural industry among other sectors, will help move the research from laboratory tests to a real setting. It is hoped the work will lead to a new product line for electric-powered industrial machinery. Chief executive Gerard Lavery signed the agreement alongside Harper Adams' vice-chancellor Dr David Llewellyn.

Mr Lavery said: "I think this is an important day for us. I speak to many engineers in this sector and a year or two ago most of them were telling me that electric drives for off-highway machinery, like tractors, were 10 or 15 years away.

"Now, two years on, I don't think that is the case. I feel the industry has moved at a rapid pace and I hope this collaboration can prove we are much closer than that."

The technology is much more efficient than existing electric motors, while still being powerful enough to drive a tractor, meaning farmers could save fuel, reduce emissions and ultimately produce food more cheaply.

Dr Llewellyn added: "We have some exciting research that we'd like to share and GKN is an ideal partner with which to do this. We hope that the agreement signed today will lead to further collaboration in due course."

GKN Land Systems leads the market in production of driveline systems in the off-highway market.

GKN also aims to make use of its Hadley Park facility to provide opportunities for students to develop their experience through visits, placements and engaging with key technical experts.