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drones to inspect tracks, a sound-bending wall to cut
noise pollution and plans for the first testing of a
hydrogen-powered train are among 24 schemes awarded
funding
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projects will receive a share of up to £7.8 million in
government funding for use on the rail network
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innovative ideas are set to make the UK rail network
more efficient, greener and cleaner
Drones capable of inspecting railway infrastructure, hydrogen
train trials and a sound-bending wall to cut noise pollution are
among 24 winning projects in the third round of the First of a
Kind (FOAK) competition, unveiled by the Department for Transport
today (13 June 2019).
Run by Innovate UK and funded by the DfT to support research,
development and innovation in the UK rail industry, the
competition seeks innovative ideas that can be adapted to
transform rail travel.
Strengthening resilience of railway infrastructure and
operations, enhancing rail freight services, and reducing
environmental and noise impacts were the themes for this round.
Each of the winning schemes will receive between £250,000 and
£350,000.
Rail Minister said:
The First of a Kind competition has consistently produced truly
innovative projects developed for the benefit of passengers,
helping to drive forward a greener, cleaner and more efficient
rail network.
This round has been the biggest yet and I am excited to see how
our funding will bring these ambitious ideas to fruition.
This government is also investing £48 billion to modernise our
rail network over the next 5 years, ensuring people have the
safe, frequent and punctual journeys they deserve.
Among the successful projects is 4Silence’s plan to develop a
noise-reducing wall that works by diffracting sound waves from
passing trains upwards. This makes it as effective as a barrier 3
times its height.
Another scheme being supported is Amey VTOL’s development of a
drone system that could carry out track inspections from the
skies. This would avoid the need for people to set foot on
railway infrastructure.
The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research is
also receiving funds for its plans to undertake the first
mainline testing of a hydrogen-fuelled train in the UK.
Simon Edmonds, Deputy Executive Chair and Chief Business Officer,
Innovate UK said:
The UK’s rail network delivers significant economic benefits to
the nation, providing an environmentally-friendly transport
system for the movement of both passengers and freight. Yet
there is more we can do to boost the reliability of the
network, to make it more attractive to freight users, and to
make it even greener.
The pioneering projects for which we have announced funding
today can increase reliability, to keep services running, with
real benefits to freight operators and the environment. The
programme will also help innovative companies succeed, both
here and in export markets.
The first round of First of a Kind was launched in 2017 and saw
10 projects win a share of £3.5 million to develop ideas to
improve passenger experience and demonstrate tomorrow’s trains.
The second round focused on schemes aimed at cutting the carbon
footprint on the UK’s railways and enhancing stations for
passengers. This saw another 10 projects offered a share of £3.5
million.
