Monday 26 October 2020

Energy Systems Catapult selects 18 SMEs to help West Midlands drive towards net zero

A total of 18 small- to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have been chosen to take part in a scheme designed to help the West Midlands become a national leader in the development of net zero energy systems for buildings, commercial estates and industry.

The Energy Systems Catapult's Energy Launchpad will host the challenge, alongside Climate-KIC and supported by Energy Capital.

Among the projects being developed are zero carbon domestic, commercial and industrial heating solutions, new ways of using data to accelerate decarbonisation, interoperable digital control systems to optimise the running of a property and grid-scale battery storage solutions to allow more renewable connections onto the grid.

Others will work to deliver innovative clean transport solutions and create user-centric approaches to reduce levels of fuel poverty across the region.

The SMEs that have been selected will be supported to ensure they can unlock new routes-to-market, secure investment and overcome barriers to scaling-up.

Paul Jordan, Business Lead for Energy Launchpad at Energy Systems Catapult, said: “Achieving net zero will require close coordination across the energy system and arguably most crucially between the built environment, transport infrastructure, industry, and commercial energy consumers.

“Innovation that enables an interoperable relationship across sectors, consumers, technology, generators and distributors is fundamental. Delivering low carbon energy solutions, while simultaneously creating economic benefits to the wider community whilst lowering energy and running costs - will be crucial in achieving the UK’s net zero goal.”