The United Kingdom's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Natural Sciences Foundation of China on Nov 15 released a joint call to boost research projects of electric vehicles and smart grids.

The joint call aims to enable leading UK energy scientists to work in partnership with researchers in China to develop collaborative projects in the field.

Up to 4 million pounds will be available from the EPSRC with matched equivalent resources from the NSFC.

Between three to four proposals will likely be funded. The deadline for proposals is Jan 22, 2013. Prior to the announcement of the joint initiative, a joint UK-China workshop on smart grids was held in Xiamen from Oct 29 to Oct 30.

Delegates discussed and agreed on collaborative opportunities for UK-China research projects to develop better smart-grid technology and the integration of electric vehicles with the ultimate aim of helping both countries to reduce their carbon footprints.

liuzhihua@chinadaily.com.cn