The wind of change?

Rising oil prices have focused attention on society's reliance on natural resources. The impact of those increases has been felt on so many different aspects of life – from fuel and heating costs through to food prices. Cutting carbon emissions and reducing our reliance on natural energy resources is now a real priority.

Now, one local company is leading the way in the fight against the impact of climate change. Firstlight Energy, based at the Innovation Centre in Hastings, is pioneering the use of cutting edge renewable technologies that reduce carbon emissions, lower energy consumption and reduce costs.

The company has developed a unique range of products including an energy storage system, which in conjunction with its state of the art solar water heater can reduce oil or gas consumption by as much as 70%. It has also recently added to its range a new highly efficient vertical axis wind turbine designed specifically for industrial and commercial applications.

The East Sussex Enterprise Hub is helping Firstlight Energy with market and product research. In particular the company is delighted to be able to take advantage of the local prototyping facility at the product Development Centre in Hastings . The Hub is also helping with sourcing funding routes and provided introductions to other companies in the environment technology sector.

Jim Christy of the Hub said “Whilst the environmental technology sector is growing fast, any new technology company has so many hurdles to overcome before their products can begin to enjoy commercial success. That's why we were delighted to help - because Firstlight Energy and other companies in this sector are set to have such a huge impact on our lives it is vital that they succeed.”

To find out more about Firstlight Energy, please visit the company's website.

8 Aug 2008