United Kingdom – Thanks to £10 million in government funding, energy entrepreneurs working on innovative ways to reduce the UK’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels will be able to make their plans and ideas a reality.
As the government moves forward with plans to secure greater clean energy independence in the UK, the ninth round of the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund (EEF) is now open for applications. The EEF seeks to promote new clean technologies across all sectors of the UK economy.
This includes developing green transportation and improving energy efficiency in people’s homes, as well as finding cleaner ways to generate power and heat in the UK.
Between 15 and 20 projects are expected to receive funding across the country. Efforts that are successful could result in the creation of hundreds of green jobs and millions of pounds in private sector investment across the UK.
Previous funding
Previous recipients of funding include Edinburgh-based Nova Innovation, which is working on a next-generation solution for lowering the costs of deploying and operating tidal stream energy, and Hampshire-based Woodrow Scientific, which is working on an innovative cleaning method to boost wind turbine efficiency.
Senergy Innovations in Belfast was able to use funding to develop solar power technology using innovative materials, allowing panels to be manufactured and installed at a lower cost. Energy Transitions in Cardiff was able to use funding to develop the Steel Zero system, which integrates solar energy technology within stainless steel cladding panels so that a building’s entire façade can produce clean and efficient heat.
Energy efficiency
£1 million of the £10 million funding earmarked for innovative energy projects in Cornwall is unique to this ninth round of the scheme. This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement last year of funding for innovation in recognition of Cornwall’s role as host of the G7 Summit.
At least 75% of a project’s activities must take place within the geographical boundaries of Cornwall to be eligible for this earmarked funding.
In the final phase of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund’s (IETF) Phase 1 competition window, the government is also announcing £7 million in funding for 14 energy efficiency and decarbonization projects across England and Wales. Projects will assist businesses in increasing their energy efficiency, lowering their energy bills, and lowering their carbon emissions.
Phillips 66 will use the funds to electrify its Humberside refinery, while Sheffield Forgemasters will fund a project to decarbonize large-scale forgings and castings at its Sheffield steelworks, and Rockwool will install a system to significantly reduce carbon emissions at its Bridgend, South Wales, facility.
