UK showcases green dozen at global investment summit

Twelve of the UK’s leading green innovators will showcase their technology to some of the world’s most high-profile investors at the Global Investment Summit on 19th October.

Hosted by the Prime Minister and supported by members of the Royal Family, the Summit will demonstrate Britain’s commitment to green industrial revolution, in the UK and abroad, ahead of COP26, and promote the UK as a top destination for foreign investment.

Around 200 investors attending the Summit will see the latest cutting-edge innovation that is helping deliver key areas of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, helping cement the UK’s position as a science superpower and the world’s number one centre for green technology.

The showcase will demonstrate major leaps forward in renewable energy, displaying pioneering tidal turbine technology from Orbital Marine Power, to advancements in green technologies like the world’s first zero-emission double decker hydrogen bus by Wrightbus.

Household names like Rolls-Royce will showcase models of its all-electric aircraft and small modular reactor, and start-ups such as Automated Architecture will display its robot-assembled automated sustainable construction systems for housing, which could speed up the delivery of homes across the country.

Minister for Investment, Gerry Grimstone said:

“Our Global Investment Summit will put UK innovation on the map and demonstrate how we can use investment to nurture technological developments and propel our economy towards a more prosperous, exciting future.

"These businesses show why the UK is a global hub for green technology – from major advances in tidal turbines and fusion energy, to electric vehicle development and zero emission aircrafts.

“These industries of the future will not only help ensure a cleaner, greener planet but also create high value jobs across the UK.” 

Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East said:

“The transition to net zero is a societal imperative and one of the greatest commercial opportunities of our time. We are proud to play our part in the Global investment Summit alongside the UK Government, demonstrating the positive transforming power of industrial technology.”

Orbital CEO Andrew Scott said:

“We are delighted to be given this amazing platform to showcase the innovative technology we pioneered here in the UK and to share our vision of how tidal stream energy can play a part in turning the tide on climate change.”

Hy4Heat

Location: whole of the UK

The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, through the Hy4Heat programme is developing and delivering a demonstration area at the Summit with Worcester Bosch and Baxi as its key partners. The stand will showcase real appliances which have been developed by Worcester Bosch and Baxi and other UK based manufacturers.

Tokamak Energy

Location: Oxford

Tokamak Energy is pioneering commercial fusion energy which is clean, economic and globally deployable through two world leading core technologies, the compact spherical tokamak and high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. Tokamak Energy will display three high temperature superconducting magnets, including one tested at CERN, and 3-D printed models of current and future devices. They will display visuals of their latest record-breaking fusion prototype, including video clips of hot plasmas..

Chief Executive Chris Kelsall said:

“The UK has a unique opportunity to be the global leader in a Net Zero world with fusion energy at its heart. Fusion energy is limitless, clean, safe and secure. We are planning to commercialise fusion by the 2030s, through developing the fusion power plant of the future while commercialising our tech applications.

“We are delighted to showcase our technology and route to fusion energy at the Global Investment Summit.”

First Light Fusion

Location: Oxford

This University of Oxford spin out is looking at new approaches to fusion energy and will display their small demonstrator electromagnetic launcher on which they can represent their approach to Fusion.

Chief Operating Officer Gianluca Pisanello said:

“Foreign investment, alongside UK Government backing, combined with the ambition and scientific expertise of the UK’s fusion scientists, will be critical in helping accelerate our journey towards developing a commercial fusion energy platform and for the UK to fulfil its fusion potential.

“We are delighted to be supporting the Global Investment Summit, which is showcasing the very best in British innovation, and we welcome the opportunity to engage with prospective international investors.”

Arrival

Location: Oxfordshire and London

Arrival is creating commercial electric vehicles at prices competitive with fossil fuel vehicles to accelerate the global transition to EVs. Their product portfolio consists of the Van (10,000 ordered by UPS), Bus (trials start with First Bus in Q1 2022 in the UK), and the Car (for ride-hailing, being designed in collaboration with Uber). Guests can use their smartphones to view a virtual van on their screens and drop it into the venue space.

President Avinash Rugoobur said:

“It’s an honour to be selected by the UK Government to present Arrival at the Global Investment Summit. Arrival’s rapid growth is a clear reflection of the demand for more sustainable and equitable mobility solutions for cities and governments here in the UK, and around the world.

“We’re proud to showcase Arrival's mission and our in-house innovations in such a prestigious setting, as we transform the automotive industry and pioneer a radical new method of EV design and production in local Microfactories globally.”

Aurrigo - RDM Group

Location: Coventry

Aurrigo is a leading authority on autonomous transport having designed, developed and built a number of driverless vehicles that are currently being tested in ‘live’ traffic.

The Coventry-based company will be exhibiting its 4-seater Auto-Pod an ideal ‘first and last mile’ transport solution for city centres, and its Auto-Dolly, a new autonomous luggage and cargo system being embraced by airports all over the world.

Sales and Marketing Director Miles Garner said:

“Aurrigo’s autonomous vehicles are revolutionising the aviation, transport and logistics sectors, helping our customers achieve greener and more sustainable operations. Whether it’s our Auto-Shuttle, Auto-Pod or our aviation first Auto-Dolly, all our autonomous technology is built on electric-powered vehicles, designed and developed by us, which deliver advanced performance and environmental improvements for our customers and their end users.

“The Global Investment Summit is a perfect platform to promote Aurrigo and our game-changing technologies to the world."

Wrightbus

Location: Northern Ireland

Wrightbus have developed the world's first zero-emissions double deck hydrogen bus and the fastest-charging EV double deck on the market. Through an AR display Wrightbus will show the inner workings of the world’s first hydrogen double deck bus as well as a monitor showing where Wrightbus Hydroliners are running and the journey carbon savings (vs. a diesel bus of the same model).

Owner and Executive Chairman Jo Bamford said:

“We’re honoured to have been invited to showcase our world-first Hydroliner hydrogen double decker bus at the prestigious Global Investment Summit.

“Thanks to investment into research and development, Wrightbus has become a true world-leader in zero-emission bus transport technology. We’re proud to be part of the movement that’s leading the world to create technological solutions to ensure a net zero future, whilst also boosting the UK’s green economy.”

Vertical Aerospace

Location: Bristol

Vertical Aerospace designs and builds electrically powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They will be showcasing a 3m x 3m scale model of their zero-emission eVTOL aircraft, the VA-X4.

Rolls-Royce

Location: Midlands

Rolls-Royce will showcase its small modular reactor model to provide low carbon power and its 2m x2m model of the Spirit of Innovation aircraft that is accelerating the electrification of flight, as well as 360-degree footage of the aircraft in flight – giving the sensation of flying with the pilot.

Chief Executive Officer Warren East said:

“The transition to net zero is a societal imperative and one of the greatest commercial opportunities of our time. We are proud to play our part in the Global Investment Summit alongside the UK Government, demonstrating the positive transforming power of industrial technology.

“Rolls-Royce is pioneering power that is central to the successful functioning of a low carbon world, with a clear focus on driving progress in the hardest to tackle sectors of energy, transport and the built environment to accelerate the overall global transition to a net zero carbon future.”

Automated Architecture (AUAR)

Location: Bristol and London

Automated Architecture Ltd (AUAR) is a start-up company who build affordable homes using sustainable timber materials, robotic manufacturing and automation in architecture. They will showcase their timber building blocks being automatically assembled by a robot (provided by automation specialist ABB, Switzerland).

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Mollie Claypool sad:

"AUAR is looking forward to sharing how our technologies can radically change the way we build housing, creating more empowered, inclusive and sustainable communities."

Drax Group

Location: Northern Powerhouse

Drax is a UK-based renewable energy company that has transformed itself from Western Europe’s largest coal-fired power station into the continent’s largest decarbonisation project. They will showcase innovative bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology.

Chief Executive Will Gardiner said:

“The UK has a once in a generation opportunity to develop the innovative green technologies which will play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis.

“By leading on the development and introduction of Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), the UK can kickstart a new global industry, delivering tens of thousands of jobs and supporting a new green economy. Drax stands ready to invest in this vital technology and work could get underway as soon as 2024, delivering for the UK economy and the climate.”

Hydro Industries

Location: Wales

Hydro Industries is a cleantech company harnessing technology to clean up industrial wastewater and protect the environment and provide safe drinking water to some of the worlds most disadvantaged populations. The Hydro Industries will showcase the EC 100 - A modular, compact water purification system based on Hydro's patented Electrocoagulation (EC) technology. Used for both potable water production and environmental wastewater protection

Chief Executive Wayne Preece said:

“Hydro is proud to deploy British technology to clear up industrial waste, protect the environment and provide safe drinking water in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities whilst creating decent jobs and opportunities at home.”