Energy saving pays off for VPhase in Capenhurst

Feb 17 2011 Chester Chronicle

AN INNOVATIVE idea to combat climate change won a Capenhurst business £30,000.

VPhase, based at Capenhurst technology Park, was presented with the cash boost in Birmingham.

The Shell Springboard programme is designed to promote the growth of green businesses in the UK.

VPhase received the financial boost for Voltage Optimisation, a product which lowers and regulates household voltage use, so that devices and appliances use about 25 volts less.

This reduction of domestic voltage can decrease household electricity bills by between six and 12%.

Voltage optimisation is widely used in industrial settings to cut energy consumption and costs, and also extend the lifespan of electrical appliances, however, it has historically been too expensive and too large for domestic applications. VPhase’s product allows the same principle to be applied to UK households.

The Shell Springboard programme helps small businesses make an impact in the fight against climate change by providing a no-strings-attached financial boost to companies with innovative products and services that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Rick Smith CEO of VPhase said: “We believe Voltage Optimisation can make a difference in the fight against climate change and it’s incredibly rewarding that a well-established programme like Shell Springboard has also recognised its potential.

“The funding and recognition we received tonight will allow us to press ahead with our ambitions for Voltage Optimisation, tackling fuel poverty and reducing CO2 emissions”

The host for the awards ceremony, Jeremy Shears, global manager for Innovation Biodomain at Shell Global Solutions, said: “The energy sector has to innovate to satisfy the world’s growing energy needs at a reduced environmental cost.

“The businesses competing here today all demonstrated that innovation.

“Special congratulations to VPhase for impressing the judges with their technology. I wish them every success for future development and growth of their business.”

VPhase competed against eight other businesses from across the UK on February 1 in Birmingham and will now compete to be named as the overall UK winner in London on the February 22.