Engineering Firm Receives Funding Boost To Support Pioneering Green Research

Northern Engineering Solutions has received a funding boost to continue its pioneering research into the treatment of mine water using microalgae. 

The process engineering firm based in North Shields was recently awarded grant funding by SynbiCITE - the UK’s national centre for the acceleration and commercialisation of synthetic biology. Hosted at Imperial College London, the programme aims to accelerate and enhance innovation in synthetic biology.

Led by Company Scientist, Pedro Fernandez, Northern Engineering Solutions will use the grant to further its research and development into the industrial applications of Microalgal Photobioreactors (PBRs) for removing pollutants and extracting valuable resources, such as heavy metals, from mine water. Heavy metals trapped by microalgae can often be recovered and reused, creating a circular economy. 

Mine water is the water that seeps into mine workings. When left untreated, it can pollute rivers, streams, and groundwater, impacting aquatic life and human water supplies. Current treatment methods often involve the use of chemicals in large quantities. This increases operational costs and creates heavy metal waste that must also be disposed of safely. 

Speaking about the grant award, Simon Taylor, Director of Northern Engineering Solutions, said: “As a business, we are committed to exploring innovative approaches to engineering that solve real-world challenges and positively impact people and the planet. 

“The grant funding from SynbiCITE will help us to quickly take huge strides in our internal research and development process, with the aim of ultimately getting a working solution in the field for testing in the near future. Pedro’s expertise in microbiology research enhances our internal capabilities to develop and deploy cutting-edge treatment technologies.”

Northern Engineering Solutions specialises in mechanical, electrical and process engineering (MEP) solutions, with a particular focus on high and ultra-high-purity process pipework, effluent treatment systems, and cleanrooms. Clients include Pragmatic IC, GSK, and the Royal Air Force.