Image source: Neath Port Talbot Council
Neath Port Talbot Council has announced that the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) will host a long range wide area network (LoRaWAN) gateway as part of the Swansea Bay City Region Digital Innovation Network.
GCRE is making its 700-hectare site near Onllwyn available to provide wireless connectivity through the low power, long range protocol for a range of internet of things (IoT) solutions.
The council said the sensors – running on battery, solar or heat power – will work with the gateway unit to enable the remote collection and monitoring of a wide range of data to inform research and technology developing.
It cited testing scenarios including flooding, subsidence and temperature monitoring to ensure that all rail services are working, with the aim of making them environmentally sustainable and consumer friendly.
Neath Port Talbot added the move will support the digital transformation of local public services.
The GCRE is being purpose-built near Onllwyn for research, testing and certification of infrastructure and new rail technologies and is said to be the first of its kind in Europe. It is supported by a £70 million investment by the UK Government, with a further £7.4 million from Innovate UK.
Taking research further
Its chief executive, Simon Jones, said: “The scope of this equipment means we can take our research much further than originally anticipated, making the site more flexible for future developments and improving the offer we can make to our customers in the rail and mobility industry.
“The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is a development that has four clear missions – to rebuild local prosperity; make transport better; pioneer a Net Zero railway and renew an amazing place.
“Having high quality digital infrastructure on the site is crucial to achieving those ambitions and it has been fantastic to work with our partners at the Swansea Bay City Region and Neath Port Talbot Council on this exciting and innovative project.”
Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for climate change and economic growth, Cllr Jeremy Hurley, commented: “This project is a valuable addition to Neath Port Talbot and it’s extremely encouraging to know that world class research and technology centres are choosing to develop their sites within this county borough.
“The benefits that come from this development are vital for Neath Port Talbot’s journey to strengthening its economic opportunities through its digital connectivity. Our ambition is to create a digitally progressive society and this is a fine example of how we are moving in the right direction towards achieving that.”
