£35m for clean energy

The government has announced it will invest nearly £35m on innovative energy projects, part of its promise to invest £400m a year in energy development by 2020.

The funding, announced by Claire Perry, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), is for two innovative clean energy projects, which will create local investment opportunities across the country.

£35m divvied up

Speaking at the Rushlight Summer Showcase, sponsored by BEIS and Innovate UK, the minister said £10m would go towards phase 2 of the Energy Systems Catapult programme focussing on smart systems and heat provision. A further £25m will support the potential for using hydrogen for heating, domestic pipe system testing and developing hydrogen appliances.

Ms Perry said: “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.”

Energy expert analysis

Supporting the development of hydrogen as an energy source, particularly for heating, is interesting but it will be important to look at the overall efficiency and economics from production through to end use compared with more conventional fuels.

Alastair Fells MEI, Incorporated Eng, PG Dip Fuel Tech, BSc Hons

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