The Cheshire-based Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) has unveiled £29.2 million of new funding to support UK innovations that will improve the way energy is transferred from a range of new sources.

The fund was announced earlier this month and the money will come from Ofgem’s Innovation Funding Incentive scheme, and the £500 million Low Carbon Networks (LCN) Fund.

Changing energy mix

It will provide opportunities for UK companies to develop more efficient means of distribution that will suit a more complex and variable mix of energy in the future. It will support both technological innovations and the development of new applications for existing technologies.

Mark Mathieson, managing director of networks at Scottish and Southern Energy explained: "The low carbon agenda will change the way we buy and procure energy from the model we are used to.

"Not a lot has changed since the 1930s but, as we move towards the likes of wind generation, electric cars, PV [solar photovoltaic] systems, we're looking at a more intermittent and complex mix of energy generation and use."

He added: "Energy companies want to avoid digging up the UK’s footpaths to lay bigger cables to accommodate the increased demand so we’re turning to innovation to help us look at new ways of tackling this."

According to the EIC, the UK currently has power networks with a replacement value of £150 billion, involving 500,000 miles of cable.

'Ideas to market'

Investments from the £29.2 million fund will be chosen by Electricity North West, Northern Power Grid, ScottishPower Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Energy, and UK Power Networks.

EIC director, Denise Massey said: "This is another huge step forward for innovators and businesses that need to accelerate their ideas to market.

"As part of this initiative we will continue to deliver a range of support services, including opportunities to test technologies on high and low voltage power networks and establish relationships with potential customers."

Access to support

Founded in 2008, the EIC has already supported innovative energy projects in 140 SMEs worldwide, with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Businesses can find out more about the funding available, and access a list of industry technology gaps, by calling the EIC on 0151 347 2433.

Posted under Environmental Technologies and Renewable Energy
and Energy and Renewables
and Environmental Technologies on 22 February 2012