Pioneering project aims to clear the air for local communities

Neath Port Talbot Council is to begin a pioneering air quality monitoring project aimed at providing accurate “real-time” measurement of pollution so solutions for greener, healthier communities can be found.

The project, the first of its kind in Wales, is a pilot study testing the concept of localised air pollution monitoring and is part of the Swansea Bay City Deal programme and is delivered as part of the council’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy (DARE) Strategy.

The project is led by Neath Port Talbot Council which will be collaborating with Swansea based Vortex IoT (Internet of Things) – a highly skilled team of engineers with expertise in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and connected smart devices (IoT). The aim of the deployment, which will harness the power of digital technology, is to achieve a much better understanding of air quality on a local level. Better measurement means the council can more effectively target interventions, identify any pollution hotspots and pollution sources that were previously hidden and help it improve air quality and health outcomes.

This project will see 70 digital sensors being attached to lampposts in some residential areas in Port Talbot. The area will act as a test bed for the technology and will provide instant, real time data on how air quality varies between different neighbourhoods.

Vortex IoT is a market leader in its field and the company’s devices are being used in one of the biggest air quality monitoring projects in Europe in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Vortex IoT will provide the sensors, wireless network and maintenance support for the project.

Vortex IoT plans to create up to 50 highly skilled engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs in the next 18 months.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, Leanne Jones, stated that the project is in line with the council's smart and connected digital strategy, which aims to make sure that our county borough takes full advantage of the benefits of new technologies.

Neath Port Talbot Council and other organisations, including the Welsh Government, have been undertaking air quality monitoring in Neath Port Talbot for many years. Traditionally, air quality monitoring has centred on the existing Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) air quality station situated within the grounds of Taibach Fire Station. However, advancements in digital technology mean that hyperlocal monitoring providing instant data about potential pollution sources can move into other areas.

The hyperlocal approach to air quality monitoring will provide the project with a verified source of real-time air quality data that can be linked to events within that community, for example, traffic flows, industrial processes etc.

Vortex CEO, Adrian Sutton, said: "We are really privileged to be working with Neath Port Talbot Council and Swansea Bay City Deal on this pioneering project. I live in the area and our company has its roots in the Swansea Bay City region. The opportunity to deliver an environmental impact to the community in which we are based and to contribute to improved air quality and decarbonisation is one we are truly excited about. We will go above and beyond to deliver value to the residents of Neath Port Talbot."

About Vortex IoT

Vortex, part of Marston Holdings, is a dynamic and market-leading company at the forefront of smart city technologies. The company builds environmental sensors, networks and data solutions to support decarbonisation efforts globally. As experts in the latest IoT, AI, 5G and LiDAR technology, Vortex enables smart cities & smart infrastructures to become more efficient, safer and greener.

Monitor what matters; Act where it counts. Vortex's sensor technology aims to maximize visibility and delivers the actionable data that businesses need to start making smarter decisions. Air Quality Monitoring, Vehicle-2-Infrastructure Scanning, Remote Infrastructure Management and Smart Parking Systems are Vortex's tailored solutions for progressive smart city management. Powered by AI and enabled by a highly secure decentralised mesh network, all of Vortex’s products guarantee reliability, scalability and environmentally sustainable deployments.

Founded upon a bedrock of innovation, Vortex’s highly skilled team of engineers, technologists and leadership team are constantly developing the eco-smart products of tomorrow, for you today. For more information, please visit www.vortexiot.com.