Engineering news
The Carbon Trust, an independent carbon reduction organisation, will run the Government’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) programme. Ministers hope the four-year scheme will lower costs and increase energy efficient options for a range of industrial sectors.
Technology developers and industrial companies will receive funding of £150,000 to £1 million to support demonstration projects. The programme also aims to address technical and commercial challenges by providing “incubation support” and funding to increase UK expertise, exports and jobs.
The industrial sector accounts for 17% of the UK’s total energy use, equivalent to over 20% of total carbon emissions. Up to 40% of this energy is lost due to inefficiency in equipment, mechanical limitations and heat loss during the manufacturing process. The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy said optimising energy use will create savings and also reduce carbon emissions.
The scheme will “help increase energy efficiency, cut energy bills and meet our climate change targets in the most cost-effective way,” said climate change and industry minister Claire Perry. “This latest programme is a great example of how reducing emissions and growing our economy go hand-in-hand. It’s part of our industrial strategy which provides an ambitious long-term vision for the UK, building on our strengths as a country and supporting the competitiveness of businesses.”
The IEEA will run an application process for technology developers until January 2018, looking for near-commercial solutions. Industrial companies will be encouraged to apply in collaboration with developers to receive support for innovations which will have the greatest impact on their operations. The Government anticipates between 15 and 30 projects will be selected, and hopes the private sector will invest a further £11 million to support the demonstrations.
“We will work collaboratively with trade associations, industry and technology providers to identify and demonstrate the best innovative opportunities for energy reduction,” said Al-Karim Govindji, senior innovation manager at the Carbon Trust. “The global competitiveness of UK industry has never been higher on the agenda. We face a once in a lifetime opportunity to support the industrial strategy to safeguard and create jobs, develop innovative businesses and attract inward investment.”