Grants are available to help deliver net zero and support innovative businesses to grow and scale in the UK.
Innovate UK (IUK), in partnership with the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), is delivering the Discovery phase of a programme deriving funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
SIF aims to deliver net zero at the lowest cost to consumers and support innovative businesses to grow and scale. This can include decarbonising gas and electric energy distribution and transmission networks to benefit the consumer. These projects should help shape the future of the gas and electricity networks and succeed commercially where possible.
Discovery is the first phase of a three-phase competition: Discovery; Alpha; Beta.
There are four challenge competitions in the Discovery Phase:
- Supporting a just energy transition
- Preparing for a net zero power system
- Improving energy system resilience and robustness
- Accelerating decarbonisation of major energy demands
A total of £12 million is allocated to the Discovery Phase across the four challenges. Projects can range in size up to total eligible costs of £150,000. Discovery Phase Projects must last up to three months.
To lead a project, the applicant must be an Ofgem licensed electricity or gas distribution network, transmission operator, or electricity system operator (ESO). Project partners can include a variety of third-party innovators such as start-ups, SMEs, suppliers, academics, independent researchers, disruptors, or other licenced energy network companies.
The deadline for applications is 23 November 2022.
How To Apply
Applications are accepted from 5 September 2022 until 23 November 2022
Applications are made online. Further information is available from the Innovate UK website.