The UK is taking a big step towards a more sustainable future with a £24 million investment in next-generation energy innovators. Thirty-seven British companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, will receive a share of the £19 million Energy Entrepreneurs Fund to develop new technologies that will decarbonize the UK industry and help prepare the country for a net-zero future.
The investment will support the creation of innovative solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions, developing clean energy, and improving energy efficiency in homes. The projects, which are spread across the UK, have the potential to play a significant role in meeting the country’s 2050 net-zero target, creating hundreds of green jobs, and triggering private sector investment worth millions.
The winning projects include a range of exciting innovations, from offshore wind robotic inspectors to low-cost solar architecture, offshore wind communications, and sustainable decommissioning of oil wells. For example, Inductive Power Projection Ltd, based in Cornwall, will receive £444,080 to develop an innovative high-frequency wireless charging demonstrator to power floating offshore wind autonomous drones, which will inspect and maintain offshore wind farms.
Build Solar Ltd, a spin-out from Exeter University, received £271,933 to develop a low-cost glass brick called Solar Squared for buildings, which will allow them to generate their own power by collecting solar energy via the walls. Jet Engineering System Solutions, based in the southeast, received £255,754 to develop a 5G floating network that will enable high-speed, dependable long-range communications at sea to aid wind farm installation. Clearwell Technology Ltd, based in Scotland, received £223,872 to design a thermal pipe milling tool for well plugging, which could transform how oil and gas wells are sustainably decommissioned.
In a major boost for the country’s efforts to achieve its 2050 net zero targets, the UK government has announced a £24 million investment in next-generation energy innovators. The funding will help 37 British companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, develop clean energy technologies that will decarbonize the UK industry and build home-grown energy supplies.
Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, mentioned that the funding will not only create more green jobs and less expensive energy but also create “world-leading clarification to help us reach net 0 and economic prosperity”.
In addition to the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, the government will launch a £5 million Local Industrial Decarbonization Plans competition this summer. The competition will support groups of industrial businesses to develop coordinated decarbonization plans and move towards a low-carbon future.
Winning projects from the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund include offshore wind robotic inspectors, solar architecture, offshore wind communications, and decommissioning oil wells. The funding will allow these companies to bring their innovations to market faster and play their part in the UK’s journey towards a greener future.
Bruce Cardo, Director of Clearwell Technology, one of the winning companies, expressed his delight at the support of the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, stating that it will help his company “deliver a step change in the cost of decommissioning of legacy oil and gas infrastructure.”
James Thomas, CEO of Jet Engineering System Solutions, another recipient of the funding, said the EEF funding support is an “incredibly valuable step” for his company, and he is looking forward to getting started with the project R&D.
Source: Gov[dot]UK
