MEMBER NEWS: £10 million funding competition launched to strengthen net zero technologies

March 9, 2022
MEMBER NEWS: £10 million funding competition launched to strengthen net zero technologies

The Net Zero Technology Centre has announced the launch of its 2022 Open Innovation programme aimed at developing and deploying technologies that will reduce offshore emissions, accelerate clean energy production, and enable delivery of the UK’s net zero ambitions.

The 2022 programme will feature two funding competitions – the first opening on 16th March and the second scheduled for October.

Businesses from across the globe can apply for a share of £7 million available in the first competition, with a maximum of £1 million to be awarded to each successful project. The projects must support the transition towards net zero with an obligation of trialling and deploying technology within the UK continental shelf. As well as funding, the projects will also gain access to data, facilities, and technical expertise from industry. Seven technology focus areas have been identified for the first competition:

1. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)

2. Hydrogen and clean fuels

3. Renewables and energy storage

4. Zero emissions power

5. Venting and flaring

6. Integrity management

7. Late life and decommissioning

Digital and data architecture, smart assets and field automation will be included in the technology focus areas within the second £3 million funding competition due for launch in October.

Myrtle Dawes, Solution Centre Director, Net Zero Technology Centre commented: “The launch of the 2022 Open Innovation Programme marks an update to our funding model, moving from an open call for ideas to two funding competition windows with specific technology focus areas.

Following COP26 it is clear that we need to urgently focus on accelerating the delivery of technologies that will secure our net zero ambitions. Our updated funding model will allow us to concentrate on specific technology gaps to develop and commercialise the innovative technologies that are currently in the prototype and demonstration phase and ultimately drive the huge leaps in clean energy innovation that will deliver our 2050 emission reduction targets.”

Scottish Government Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “Accelerating efforts to reach net zero is a priority for this Scottish Government, which is providing £90 million funding to the Net Zero Technology Centre through the Aberdeen City Region Deal.

“This funding competition will help the energy sector develop and deploy the innovative technologies required to achieve a just transition for Scotland.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to work with the world-leading Net Zero Technology Centre to develop their ideas for the future of our energy sector. “The UK Government is investing £90m in the centre as part of our broader package of support for the North Sea transition, with a goal of helping the region’s energy industry cut emissions by 50% by 2030. This will help bring prosperity and jobs to communities across the region by attracting investment in new facilities, skills and technologies.”

For more information visit https://www.netzerotc.com/funding/funding-competition/

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

Contact Us
“

AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
“

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
“

The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
“

Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
“

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise