A RESEARCH organisation which created the world's first fuel cell powered lighthouse is to work on a project to develop the technology for wider use.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), based at Wilton on Teesside, has become the UK's only research organisation working on the European Union's £750m Framework Seven Programme (FP7).

FP7 will look at developing fuel cells and hydrogen technologies for wider use, such as powering cars and homes.

Last year, the CPI unveiled an environmentally-friendly hydrogen fuel cell which is being used to power the South Gare lighthouse at the mouth of the River Tees.

Dr Jon Helliwell, project manager at the Fuel Cell Application Facility at CPI, said: "As part of the EU programme, CPI represents the entire North-East region, and is actively working with third parties and start-ups in developing new applications and overcoming the hurdles to fuel cell use.

"We launched Fuel Cells North East in September last year, a business cluster dedicated to creating an effective supply chain of organisations that have either direct or indirect links to fuel cells."

The CPI will also make a presentation at the Partners4Automotive conference to be held at Sunderland University, on September 17 and 18.

Organised by the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP), the event will bring together more than 100 experts from academia and business from around the world to share their knowledge, and discuss issues relating to the alternative fuels sector for vehicles and transport systems.

Dr Helliwell said: "CPI is delighted to be working with AMAP for this event, which cements this region's position at the forefront of developments in fuel cell technology."

Phil Eadon, managing director at conference organiser Allancia, said: "With the support of leading organisations such as CPI, this is especially good news for the industry right on the doorstep here in the North-East."

The CPI, established by regional development agency One NorthEast four years ago, works to connect academics and scientists developing ideas, with the processing industry.

It employs 70 high calibre scientists, engineers and support staff.

The CPI is also a founding member of the European Hydrogen Association's HyRaMP lobbying group with the CPI's Dr Graham Hillier, director of low carbon energy, nominated as one of six members of the board.

More details on the partners4automotive event are available at partners4auto motive2008.co.uk