A £35 million investment in energy innovation
projects was announced today by the Government, to help deliver
clean growth and affordable energy as part of the Industrial
Strategy.
Speaking today (Tuesday 20 June) at the Rushlight
Showcase, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy announced funding for two
innovative clean energy projects which will create local
investment opportunities across the country.
Rushlight, a leading provider of clean technology
events in the UK, hosts the Summer Showcase which is sponsored by
BEIS and Innovate UK. At the event, announced that £35 million
funding, from the BEIS Energy Innovation Programme, will go
towards smart heating systems and innovation in using hydrogen as
a potential heat source.
Under the new investment, £10 million will sponsor
the second phase of work by the Energy Systems Catapult on its
Smart Systems and Heat Programme. The programme will help develop
local energy plans alongside Local Authorities, and bring down
the cost of energy bills, while supporting the development of the
UK’s low carbon heating projects.
A further £25 million will be invested in potential
uses of hydrogen gas for heating, testing the possibility of
domestic gas pipes for hydrogen and developing a range of
innovative hydrogen appliances such as boilers and
cookers.
Minister of State for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy said:
"The UK Government is committed to leading the world
in delivering clean energy technology and today's investment
shows that we are prepared to support innovation in this critical
area.
"Our aim is for the UK to be a global leader in innovation,
science and research and our Industrial Strategy will help us to
deliver our ambitious CO2 reduction targets while, creating jobs
and opportunities for people across the country."
This investment follows the Government’s commitment
to double energy innovation investments set out in
the Industrial Strategy
Green Paper, to £400 million per year by
2021.
Philip New, Chief Executive of the Energy
Systems Catapult, said:
“This is very welcome. It is a reflection of the
Energy Systems Catapult’s growing track record in delivering
challenging and innovative programmes that have impact on some of
the most intractable questions in the transformation of the
energy system. Phase Two will see our team working with others,
building the foundations for innovative energy service business
models, encouraging a new generation of energy service providers
and testing new offers for British households.”
More details of the BEIS Energy Innovation Programme
and funding are available from the GOV.UK Energy
Innovation page.
Notes to editors
-
The government is investing £34.8 million in
energy innovation projects: £25 million will be invested in
hydrogen gas for heating and £9.8 million will be invested in
the Energy Systems Catapult on its Smart Systems and Heat
Programme.
