Forum aims to raise the profile of power electronics in the UK
A new industry-led forum is aiming to ensure that the UK is recognised as a world leader in power electronics, as well as creating jobs and attracting investment to the sector.
The PowerelectronicsUK forum is a result of the strategy document, Power Electronics: A Strategy for Success, which was published in 2010. It pointed out that while power electronics is vital to the UK economy, the sector suffers from serious skills shortages and a maturing supply chain.
The forum is being supported by the IET, Gambica and the Electronics, Sensors and Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network (ESP KTN) in partnership with the Government.
Globally, the power electronics industry is worth £135bn, but a lack of engineers and technicians in the talent pipeline is threatening the UK’s position as a leader in this market.
“Power electronics is at the heart of everyday life – from our laptops and mobile phones to our cars, trains, planes, energy networks and power stations,” says PowerelectronicsUK chairman, Steve Burgin. “That means power electronics engineers are behind the way our lives work – and vital to our future as well.
“Without power electronics engineers, Britain will have no smart grid, no offshore wind farms, and the economy as a whole will suffer,” he adds.
A Web site has been launched to act as a home for the UK’s power electronics community. It includes an overview of the sector, its skills requirements and technologies, as well as directory of organisations serving the sector.
