Government’s clean energy drive invests £35 million in innovative projects

The government has introduced a £35 million investment in energy innovation projects to deliver clean growth and affordable energy as part of the Industrial Strategy.

Claire Perry, the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, announced at the Rushlight Showcase 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, Perry 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.

£10 million of the money will sponsor the second phrase of work by the Energy Systems Catapult on its Smart Systems and Heat Programme, which will help develop local energy plans and bring down the cost of energy bills, while supporting the development of the UL’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 innovative hydrogen appliances such as cookers and boilers.

Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Claire Perry 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."

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.”