Why do we need a Strategy?

Power Electronics is a critical technology for a large proportion of UK industry. It is a rapidly growing and developing technology, and in order to address the threats and grasp the opportunities, the UK needs a clear and co-ordinated Power Electronics strategy, to allow industry, Universities and government to act cohesively to support one another.

Why should I attend the Workshop?

This workshop is an opportunity for you to not only contribute to that strategy, but also to gain a better understanding of the Power Electronics market, the UK position within that market and the companies, Universities and agencies who may be able to support the future growth of your company.

Background

Power Electronics is a £70bn direct global market, growing at a rate of 11% per annum. Although rarely seen as an end product by the general public, it plays a critical role in almost all aspects of our daily lives:

• It is responsible for ensuring the reliability and stability of the whole power-supply infrastructure. It is critical to Smart Grid.

• Renewable Energy and the Low Carbon Economy are dependent upon Power Electronics.

• Our transport system is ever more heavily dependent upon Power Electronics, be it Railways, Ships and increasingly Cars and Aeroplanes.

• Our industrial processes rely upon the control and energy efficiency facilitated by power electronics.

• The environment, access and transportation within our buildings are controlled and managed using power electronics.

• Our homes are proliferated with power electronics. In our TV’s, washing machines, fridges, freezers, cookers, vacuum cleaners, computers systems to home and office appliances as well as mobile phones.

• Power Electronics is also at the heart of all energy efficient lighting systems.

The applications of Power Electronic equipment demand very diverse solutions. In terms of power ratings, equipment ranges from very low milliwatt power levels needed to operate a mobile phone through to multi gigawatt powers for high voltage energy transmission lines between countries.

The UK has a rich history in Power Electronics, and today it boasts a number of world class companies in a number of market sectors. It is recognised that SME’s are important drivers of innovation, and in supporting larger companies, with technology and/or as part of the critical supply chain. Further, UK Universities play a critical role in educating the next generations of power electronic engineers and developing the knowledge base through internationally recognised research.

Target Audience:

CEO's, MD's, CTO's, Engineers, Designers involved in the Power Electronics value chain