Siemens Completes Solar Farm to Power University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy

Siemens Completes Solar Farm to Power University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy

(IN BRIEF) Siemens has finalized the construction of a 200kWp solar farm at the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, as part of a £1.5 million research endeavor funded by the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF). This collaborative project with Siemens aims to enhance the Institute’s research capabilities in developing and testing robots and autonomous systems for solar array inspection and maintenance. The solar farm serves as a ‘living lab,’ enabling research on integrating robotic technology into solar farm operations while also propelling the Institute towards its goal of achieving net zero energy consumption by 2025. Through consultancy services and innovative panel configurations, Siemens has facilitated the integration of renewable energy production with cutting-edge robotics research, marking a significant step towards a sustainable energy future.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZUG, 3-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens has completed work on a 200kWp solar farm for the University of York located at the University’s new Institute for Safe Autonomy, as part of £1.5 million research project.

Funded through the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), the project will enhance the Institute’s research capabilities to develop and test robots and other autonomous systems for the inspection and maintenance of solar arrays.

The solar farm will create a ‘living lab’ for the Institute to give insight to landowners and operators of solar farms on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field. It will also enable the Institute to become net zero for energy by 2025, generating power for more than 80 per cent of the building’s 600kWh expected daily use.

Siemens’ team supported through consultancy services helping to design, commission and optimise the solar arrays for the robotic technology being used as part of the Institute’s research, in addition to setting up a data collection system for the panels which will underpin research projects at the Institute.

The farm, which spans more than 1,400 square metres, consists of a range of different panel configurations including static ground installations and a sun-tracking array. Some solar panels are also mounted onto the side of the Institute’s building and its rooftop as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to achieve wide range of installation positions.

It is one of nine projects that are set to improve environmental sustainability, thanks to almost £19 million of funding from UKRPIF.

Universities, as centers of knowledge and innovation, are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in addressing climate concerns. Through the solar farm the University will gain valuable insights to enhance the use of robotic technology in driving a sustainable energy future. We were delighted to partner with them on realising this project as we look to broaden the integration of such innovative technologies into our everyday lives.

Faye Bowser, Vice President for the Higher Education Vertical at Siemens

Robotics, autonomous systems and AI have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work in the future. Integrating them with the production of renewable energy will ultimately play a key role in the journey towards net zero. This innovative research project marks an important milestone for the Institute since we opened earlier this year and reaffirms our commitment as a university to sourcing sustainable energy.

Professor Miles Elsden, Director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy

The solar arrays were installed by LYNX Sustainable Solutions Ltd. The Institute for Safe Autonomy is a new initiative at the University of York which takes a safety critical approach to the design, development and testing of robotics and connected autonomous systems. The purpose-built facility was completed in summer 2022 and provides collaborative work and test spaces for more than 100 researchers across a variety of disciplines.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2023, the business had around 75,000 employees worldwide.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Media Contact:

Natalie Hodges
Siemens Smart Infrastructure
+44 780 882 6229
natalie.hodges.ext@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens