UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched a call for the next phase of the Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER) Programme, focusing on Detailed Designs for smart local energy systems.

The call invites innovators and entrepreneurs to present smart new energy ideas and have the potential to win a share of a £30 million fund. The Programme’s overall aim is to help kickstart a multi-billion industry in the early 2020s, supporting high-value employment across the UK.

Energy Systems Catapult is playing a central role within PFER through the Energy Revolution Integration Service (ERIS), providing expert guidance and support to selected projects, as well as collaborative opportunities for shared learning.

ERIS exists to respond to the integration challenge and to break down the siloed thinking which stands in the way of sustainable new smart local energy markets. Through ERIS we are facilitating interaction between industry, academia and government, supporting sustained impact beyond the boundaries of the programme.

As a separate offering, ERIS will continue to offer Additional Services to bidders for the Detailed Designs call where project activity is strategically aligned to ESC Capabilities. If successful, programme participants may then build these into their projects during the programme.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry said: “We are at the start of a smart energy revolution, which will see technology like energy storage, smart appliances and electric vehicles become part of the fabric of everyday life. A future built on digital, data-driven smart systems will transform the way society interacts with the grid – delivering cheaper, greener and more flexible access to energy for everyone.

“This competition will help to give the UK’s makers and innovators the tools to make this vision a reality and seize on the business opportunities ahead.”

Rob Saunders, challenge director, Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER), UKRI said: “Smart local energy systems can intelligently link supply, storage and use of power, heat and transport in new ways that dramatically improve efficiency and work better for people.  This competition will seek the very best ideas in British innovation to show how the energy sector of the future will be cleaner and greener and support the jobs and industries of the future.”

The “Prospering from the Energy Revolution” Challenge Fund will support industry, academia, public bodies, and local communities to develop a world-leading, smart local energy systems industry in the UK. Detailed designs for smart, local energy systems will support energy system solutions that make the best use of cheaper renewables, energy storage, ultra-low emission vehicles, energy efficiency, low carbon heat and digital infrastructure amongst other technologies.

Projects are expected to demonstrate novel market and business model approaches using smart energy systems. These approaches should integrate new energy technologies across heat, power and transport in a way that is replicable and scalable across the UK.

As a delivery partner to PFER through ERIS, the Catapult is not permitted to be a consortium partner within the Detailed Designs call, however, we can provide quotes and information on our Additional Subcontract Services offering during the competition period, which will be delivered to bidders who are successful in their application for funding. Please direct any queries relating to the Detailed Designs competition or our Additional Services HERE.