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Tag: Department for Business and Industrial Strategy

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches £1.5 million AI programme for reducing carbon emissions [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches £1.5 million AI programme for reducing carbon emissions [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on 22 November 2022.

    • The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy launches new innovation programme supporting the use of artificial intelligence to reduce carbon emissions
    • the AI for Decarbonisation programme forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio
    • the programme aims to stimulate further innovation in the UK in AI, to drive growth and achieve Net Zero targets

    Today (Tuesday 22 November) the government has launched a new innovation programme which will support the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions.

    The AI for Decarbonisation Programme, backed by £1.5 million in funding, forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, and comprises separate streams of grant funding to be launched in 2 initial stages.

    Stream 1, worth up to £500,000, will be made available to co-fund a virtual centre of excellence on AI innovation and decarbonisation through to March 2025, while Stream 2, worth up to £1 million, will fund innovation projects which further the development of AI technologies to support decarbonisation.

    Later in 2023, the government intends to make additional funding available to support priority areas in AI innovation identified by the virtual centre of excellence as being critical for achieving net-zero.

    Science Minister George Freeman said:

    The UK is one of the world’s most advanced AI economies, and AI technology is already having a transformative impact on our economy and society. But there is tremendous potential to do more.

    The AI for Decarbonisation programme offers an exciting opportunity to leverage and develop the UK’s outstanding expertise in the field. Putting this rapidly-evolving technology into action will enable us to save energy costs for businesses and households, create high-value, skilled jobs, and kickstart millions of pounds of private investment while supporting our net zero targets.

    The programme’s objective is to stimulate further innovation in the UK in the AI sector, to drive growth and achieve our net zero ambitions by encouraging collaboration in the field across the technology, energy and industrial sectors. The programme builds on ideas developed in the National AI Strategy  published last year which set out the ways in which AI is able to support the UK in meeting its decarbonisation targets.

    Projects specifically encouraged to bid for funding include uses of AI which could enable a faster transition to renewable energy, decarbonise industry by improving energy productivity and fuel switching, and decrease emissions in the agricultural sector.

    The AI for Decarbonisation Programme is anticipated to increase market growth in the UK, reduce the cost of energy for a more competitive UK industry, leverage private investment in AI, and increase the consideration of ethics, bias and equity in AI technologies with decarbonisation applications.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government commits nearly half a billion pounds for UK research to cover EU shortfall [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government commits nearly half a billion pounds for UK research to cover EU shortfall [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 21 November 2022.

    • The Business Secretary has announced £484 million in targeted investment to support UK research due to the EU’s refusal to finalise UK access to EU programmes Horizon Europe, Euratom and Fusion for Energy
    • the package will provide much needed immediate investment to researchers, universities and research organisations
    • the funds will be delivered across the UK, boosting research and innovation across the breadth of the country

    The Business Secretary has today (Monday 21 November) announced up to £484 million in research funding to support the R&D sector, in response to the EU’s refusal to finalise the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and other related EU science programmes as agreed under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in 2020.

    These investments will provide targeted support for staff retention and local talent strategies at eligible universities and research organisations, as well as making sure the UK labs remain world class and at the cutting edge of R&D.

    The funds will also provide a catalyst for the growth in the UK’s burgeoning fusion industry, ensuring the UK can retain and build on its position as a global leader in fusion science.

    Today’s support builds on the Horizon Europe guarantee scheme, extended in September, which continues to provide funding for eligible, successful UK winners of Horizon Europe calls to ensure UK researchers and businesses can continue to collaborate internationally.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    This immediate investment will help our excellent research sector to shore up their talent pools, invest confidently in infrastructure and protect the UK’s reputation as a science superpower.

    The UK cannot wait indefinitely for the EU to meet its commitments which is why this funding is so important to boost research and innovation across the breadth of our country.

    The government is disappointed that the EU is still linking UK association with wider issues, and the UK remains open to association, but cannot wait indefinitely.

    The package includes:

    • £30 million Talent and Research Stabilisation Fund. This will provide targeted support to eligible universities and research organisations who have a track record in attracting direct talent-based funding from the EU, to help them retain talent and address vulnerabilities at a local level
    • £100 million Quality-Related (QR) funding for English universities with additional funding for the Devolved Administrations. This will complement the Talent and Research Stabilisation Fund to deliver a one-off boost to enable universities to strengthen research capabilities – for example employing research staff, technicians or sustaining new areas of research – which are vital to the UK’s reputation for excellent research
    • £200 million for UK Research Infrastructures including additional funding for the Devolved Administrations. A one-off boost to the UK’s research infrastructure base. This includes the UKRI World Class Labs fund, enabling institutes and universities across the United Kingdom to invest in essential research equipment and sustain their excellent research base, as well as making funding available to the UK’s Public Sector Research Establishments (such as the National Physical Laboratory and the Met Office) to maintain their status as international centres of excellence
    • £42.1 million for the Fusion Industry Programme. This will galvanise the UK fusion sector through a challenge fund, designed to engage and support UK businesses in important technical challenges of fusion, helping to build capabilities and spur commercial innovation
    • £84 million for JET Operations. This will support JET (Joint European Torus), as the world’s largest and most powerful fusion experimentation, to continue operations which will provide valuable new insights and support other UK fusion programmes such as STEP (Spherical Tokomak for Energy Production)
  • PRESS RELEASE : BEIS in the Autumn Statement [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : BEIS in the Autumn Statement [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 18 November 2022.

    Yesterday (Thursday 17 November), the Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons, announcing a raft of measures aimed at ensuring the UK’s economic stability, continuing growth, and providing support to the most vulnerable.

    The Chancellor highlighted how the government’s priority is to tackle inflation and prevent it eating into the paycheques and savings of people across the country, while eliminating disruption to business growth plans.

    Among the key measures that BEIS will be charged with delivering is an uplift in the National Minimum Wage and the largest ever cash increase in the National Living Wage – helping protect over 2.5 million of the lowest-paid workers in the UK against the rising cost of living.

    As well as continuing to support households with their energy bills by extending the Energy Price Guarantee, the Autumn Statement also prioritised boosting the UK’s energy independence and efficiency. This includes an investment in Sizewell C and the creation of a new taskforce for energy efficiency.

    The Chancellor also outlined how innovation would be crucial to unlocking economic growth, announcing that the government will be protecting £20 billion in research and development investment in 2024 to 2025.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    We are doing everything we can to support the most vulnerable in these challenging times, and this Autumn Statement builds on the measures already in place to protect businesses and consumers over the coming months.

    From delivering the biggest increase yet to the National Living Wage, to supporting businesses and households from rising costs and investing in innovative new technologies, we are prioritising stability and growth to ensure the UK can prosper.

    Among the BEIS policies announced in the Autumn Statement include:

    Energy support

    Energy Price Guarantee

    The Energy Price Guarantee is a scheme which limits the unit price households pay for electricity and gas across the UK. It brings a typical household energy bill in Great Britain down to the equivalent of around £2,500 per year (for the period of 6 months) from 1 October 2022 to end of March 2023 (with equivalent support in Northern Ireland (NI)); and then to around £3,000 per year for a typical household in Great Britain from April 2023 to April 2024 (again with equivalent support in NI).

    The government will consult on amending the scheme as soon as is feasible after April 2023 so that those who use very large volumes of energy have their state support capped, whilst the vast majority of households can continue to benefit. This proposal is intended to ensure taxpayers do not subsidise all of the energy usage of those households with extremely high usage. This consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk.

    New approach from April 2024

    The government will develop a new approach to consumer protection in relation to energy, which will apply from April 2024 onwards. It will work with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach, including options such as social tariffs, as part of wider retail market reforms. The objectives of this new approach will be to deliver a fair deal for consumers, ensure the energy market is resilient and investable over the long-term, and support an efficient and flexible energy system.

    Alternative fuel payments

    The government will double the level of support for households that use alternative fuels, such as heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), coal, or biomass, to heat their homes to £200. This support will be delivered as soon as possible this winter. The government will provide this payment to all Northern Ireland households in recognition of the prevalence of alternative fuel usage in Northern Ireland. The government will also provide a fixed payment of £150 to all UK non-domestic consumers who are off the gas grid and use alternative fuels, with additional ‘top-up’ payments for large users of heating oil based on actual usage.

    Energy Efficiency Taskforce

    The government will form a new Energy Efficiency Taskforce, charged with driving improvements in energy efficiency to bring down bills for households, businesses, and the public sector. The taskforce will support a new ambition to reduce energy demand from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030. New government funding worth £6 billion will be made available from 2025 to 2028, in addition to the £6.6 billion provided in this Parliament.

    Energy security

    Electricity Generator Levy

    To help offset the costs of energy bill support schemes as well as vital public services, the government will be introducing a new temporary tax of 45% on certain electricity generators in the UK, called the Electricity Generator Levy. The levy, replacing the Cost Plus Revenue Limit, will be used to raise revenue from generators receiving extraordinary returns from higher electricity prices and will help fund the unprecedented package of support for energy bills the government is offering.

    From January, the Energy Profits Levy on oil and gas companies will also increase from 25% to 35%, bringing the headline tax rate for the sector to 75% helping raise revenue, recognising their continued high profits. The Energy Profits Levy is applied to total profits rather than a measure of extraordinary returns and will come on top of other additional taxes applied to oil and gas production in the UK.

    Sizewell C

    Plans for the new plant at Sizewell C continue. Subject to final approvals, contracts are expected to be signed with relevant parties, including EDF, in the coming weeks. The project will create 10,000 highly skilled jobs for the area and provide reliable, low-carbon, power to the equivalent of 6 million homes for over 50 years. The government’s £700 million investment is the first state backing for a nuclear project in over 30 years and represents the biggest step in the UK’s journey to energy independence.

    Backing business and workers

    National Living and Minimum Wage increases

    Over 2 million of the lowest-paid workers in the UK will receive a pay rise, as the National Living Wage rate is increased by around 10%, its largest ever cash increase. These generous increases will support workers across the UK with the rising cost of living and provide added certainty for businesses for the year ahead. The National Minimum Wage, which is designed for younger workers, also receives a generous rise that protects their employment prospects. The new rates, recommended by the Low Pay Commission, an independent body with worker and business representatives, will come into force in April 2023.

    Digital Markets Competition & Consumers Bill

    The Digital Markets Competition & Consumers Bill will be brought forward in the third Parliamentary session to reform the UK’s digital markets, competition and consumer laws, strengthening public and business confidence in the power of free markets, and provide new powers to the Digital Markets Unit. In doing this, consumers’ hard-earned cash will be further protected from scams and rip-offs, markets will become more competitive and dynamic, meaning consumers get the very best deals, and a new regime will be introduced to address the far-reaching market power a small number of very powerful tech firms have on the market.

    Unleashing innovation

    Research and development

    Investing in R&D is absolutely vital to help the economy and businesses grow. The government will ensure £20 billion in research and development investment is protected in 2024 to 2025, to help unlock growth across the UK. R&D tax reliefs will also be reformed, to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent as effectively and efficiently as possible.

    Made Smarter

    The government will extend the Made Smarter Adoption programme to the East Midlands, supporting more small and medium manufacturing firms in boosting their productivity, efficiency, and resilience through adopting advanced industrial digital technologies, including robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, and AI. The extension follows the positive feedback the Made Smarter Adoption programme has already received in the North East, West Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

    Catapult Network

    Funding for the Catapult Network, which promotes research and development through business-led collaboration, will increase by 30% compared to the last 5-year funding cycle. This £1.6 billion investment will provide SMEs access to world-leading facilities, expertise, skills, and equipment; accelerating innovation clusters and stimulating additional private sector investment in R&D across the UK.

    Background information

    In full, the National Living and Minimum Wage increases are:

    • National Living Wage (23+) to increase 9.7%, from £9.50 to £10.42
    • National Minimum Wage (21-22) to increase 10.9%, from £9.18 to £10.18
    • National Minimum Wage (18-20) to increase 9.7% from £6.83 to £7.49
    • National Minimum Wage (under 18) to increase 9.7% from £4.81 to £5.28
    • Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage to increase 9.7% from £4.81 to £5.28
    • Accommodation offset to increase 4.6% from £8.70 to £9.10. The accommodation offset is the maximum amount of value for provision of a workers’ accommodation that can count towards National Minimum Wage pay

    The Low Pay Commission, an independent body with worker and business representatives recommends the rates to the government every year. The government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s rate recommendations in full.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions across Great Britain see energy bills reduced as £1.8 billion is paid out in first month of government scheme [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions across Great Britain see energy bills reduced as £1.8 billion is paid out in first month of government scheme [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 18 November 2022.

    – £1.8 billion was paid out last month through the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), reducing energy costs for over 27 million households across Great Britain

    – £136 million worth of vouchers have been provided to traditional prepayment meter customers, with government urging households to redeem them

    – a second instalment of the EBSS payment will reduce November bills, adding to wider government support to protect against soaring energy prices

    Over 27 million households across Great Britain received money off their energy bills last month as the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) provided £1.8 billion in payments.

    New figures released today show the EBSS successfully provided a £66 discount for 97% of eligible households in England, Scotland and Wales in its first month.

    This is the first payment made through the EBSS since it launched in October and will see households receive a £400 discount on energy bills paid in 6 monthly instalments. The second instalment of the EBSS will reduce households’ November energy bills, which brings the total amount spent on the scheme so far to £3.8 billion.

    Vouchers were sent to all 2 million customers with traditional pre-payment meters. The government today urged consumers to redeem vouchers as soon as possible, after figures showed only around two thirds had already done so. Suppliers will tell customers where to redeem them, for example at a Post Office branch or a PayPoint shop. Payzone outlets are unable to accept the vouchers.

    Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, said:

    The government is committed to supporting people facing unique stresses with the cost of living and rising energy costs. Today’s figures show how we are making a difference in over 27 million homes across Great Britain.

    All vouchers have now been sent to customers who should have them, so I urge everyone who uses a traditional prepayment meter to make sure they receive their voucher from their supplier and redeem them promptly so they get the energy bill support they are entitled to.

    Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Cartlidge, said:

    We are facing a global energy crisis driven by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and we know this is a huge challenge for people here in the UK.

    That’s why we have taken direct action, ensuring millions of households are protected this winter.

    From December onwards, the amount discounted from energy bills will increase to £67 as the scheme continues to provide support to households over the winter months.

    Administered by energy suppliers, the scheme is designed so customers receive the rebate in the same way that they pay their energy bills, such as via direct debit, credit, smart meters and traditional prepayment meters. For the small minority who have not yet received the discount for October, this was down to factors such as issues around a customer’s bank details where they pay via direct debit, and customers on pre-payment meters who are yet to redeem the vouchers.

    Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy for Citizens Advice, said:

    As winter starts to set in, this financial support should help millions of people to keep their heating and lights on. It’s vital it reaches everyone who needs it.

    Most people should get the payment directly, but if you use a traditional prepayment meter, you’ll be sent monthly vouchers that you can redeem at your local shop or Post Office. If you haven’t received the first 2 payments, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.

    Earlier this year, the government introduced new powers that mean intermediaries, such as landlords, must pass on savings made under the EBSS and other energy support schemes to end users, who don’t pay their energy bills directly, for example tenants.

    Those on traditional prepayment meters are sent monthly vouchers by their supplier via text, email or post with suppliers having contacted customers in advance of the scheme launching to advise how the discount will be applied.

    Vouchers expire after 90 days to ensure it helps people over the winter months but can be reissued by the supplier on request. Suppliers must make several attempts to contact customers who have not redeemed their vouchers, with the scheme also allowing for consumers to transfer EBSS payments from electricity meters to gas meters. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

    The EBSS comes in addition to wider government support to help households with the cost of living this Winter. As well as discounts provided through the EBSS, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household around £700 this winter, based on what energy prices would have been under the current price cap – reducing bills by roughly a third. The EPG will continue to provide support for another 12 months from April 2023, and with energy prices forecast to remain high, this equates to an average of £500 support for households in 2023 to 2024. An additional £1,200 of support in direct payments is being provided to vulnerable households this year, with £26 billion worth of targeted support to help protect the most vulnerable announced by the Chancellor for the next financial year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine energy equipment – appeal to industry [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine energy equipment – appeal to industry [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 16 November 2022.

    Russia’s barbaric invasion has brought devastating destruction to Ukraine and its people. And since October, Putin has been waging a brutal and targeted war against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Over 40% has been damaged or destroyed.

    With winter around the corner, millions from Kyiv to Kherson are without energy supply, forced to confront the fearsome prospect of cold days and dark nights. Ukrainian energy companies are working tirelessly to repair damaged infrastructure. But they urgently need more energy equipment, and both time and money are running short.

    The Energy Community Secretariat has been coordinating and transporting business-to­ business donations of specialised energy equipment since March 2022, in cooperation with the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Union. So far, 33 shipments of urgently needed energy equipment and materials have been successfully delivered to Ukraine, including donations from the UK.

    But we must do more. In Ukraine’s hour of need, we share an unshakeable responsibility to our friends fighting for their freedom. Now is the time for each of us to redouble our efforts.

    The Ukraine has asked for help, and we have responded – not with words, but with action. We are providing £10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, set up and managed by the Energy Community Secretariat. But we want your help, too.

    The Energy Community Ukraine Taskforce is ready to assist UK companies supplying equipment and provide guidance on the most urgent needs. For more information: www.energy-community.org/regionalinitiatives/Ukraine

    Independent procurement is also being carried out by the United States Agency for International Development. For more information: https://energysecurityua.org/tenders/

    At this most difficult time, I am calling on you to consider if you can play your part, by supplying emergency energy equipment helping to keep Ukrainian homes warm and hopes bright.

    The RT Hon Grant Shapps MP
    Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

  • PRESS RELEASE : Businesses to be given UK product marking flexibility as CE marking extended [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Businesses to be given UK product marking flexibility as CE marking extended [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 14 November 2022.

    • Government to continue to recognise the CE product marking in Great Britain for a further 2 years, allowing business to use either UKCA or CE markings
    • move will cut costs for businesses and remove potential disruption
    • future product marking plans to be reviewed to minimise costs and burdens for business in the longer term

    Businesses will be given an additional 2 years to apply new product safety marking, giving thousands of businesses the freedom to focus on growth, Business Secretary Grant Shapps has announced today (Monday 14 November).

    The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking has been introduced as part of the UK’s own robust regulatory framework. It shows that products comply with our product safety regulations which are designed to protect consumers.

    However, given the difficult economic conditions created by post-pandemic shifts in demand and supply, alongside Putin’s war in Ukraine and the associated high energy prices, the government does not want to burden business with the requirement to meet the original (31 December 2022) deadline.

    The government will continue to recognise the CE marking for 2 years, therefore allowing businesses until 31 December 2024 to prepare for the UKCA marking. Businesses can also use the UKCA marking, giving them flexibility to choose which marking to apply.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    The government is determined to remove barriers to businesses so they can get on with their top priorities, like providing quality customer service, enabling growth and supporting their staff.

    This move will give businesses the breathing space and flexibility they need at this crucial time and ensure that our future system for product safety marking is fit for purpose, providing the highest standard for consumers without harming businesses.

    To support manufacturers, the government is also reviewing the wider product safety framework, ensuring we minimise the burdens on business while keeping our system up to date with new innovative methods such as e-labelling.

    As part of this, the government will make it easier than ever for businesses to apply product markings.

    This package will give thousands of businesses, including electronics and lift manufacturers, additional time to focus on delivering growth and creating jobs, while giving them flexibility in how they meet their legal obligations.

    There will be different rules for medical devices, construction products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment, unmanned aircraft systems, rail products, and marine equipment. Government departments responsible for these sectors are making sector specific arrangements.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Global agreement in green tech will open doors for UK PLC [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Global agreement in green tech will open doors for UK PLC [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 11 November 2022.

    The UK is today leading a global agreement to make green technologies cheaper and more accessible around the world, while also creating green jobs for generations both at home and abroad, Grant Shapps said today (11 November).

    Speaking at the COP27 negotiations in Egypt, the Business Secretary announced over £65 million investment to help speed up the development of new green technologies – backed by the talent and expertise of British business.

    This builds on the legacy of COP26 in Glasgow, where the UK founded a coalition of countries to scale and speed up the development and deployment of clean technologies and drive down costs this decade, known as the Breakthrough Agenda.

    Mr Shapps said it will be the efforts of entrepreneurs, innovators and the international community that will help cut global emissions in the coming decade and achieve net zero by 2050 – something today’s investments will help achieve.

    These measures will help expand a whole global market in clean energy technologies, making them accessible and affordable to developing countries – and enabling UK companies to share their talent and expertise in this vital and growing industry.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    Green means growth, and with our existing talents in clean technologies, UK businesses could be world leaders in an industry that will only expand, creating jobs for generations to come while also protecting our precious planet.

    At COP27 we are leading international efforts to ensure these new innovations can be more accessible and affordable to heavy, energy-intensive industries in some of the world’s poorest countries.

    These agreements are a key part of us achieving our net zero targets and our global efforts to cut emissions – but I am also proud that they will mean more countries will benefit from the knowledge and expertise we have nurtured here on UK shores.

    The UK is already a world leader in the latest green technologies, ranging from the development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, to the manufacture of electric vehicles.

    Today’s announcements not only highlight the UK’s leading position on tackling climate change, they also show how this country is influencing international markets to go greener, in a way that gives the UK an advantage over other countries in delivering jobs, growth and investment in the UK.

    The Business Secretary today announced:

    • that the UK has built a coalition of governments, representing more than half of global GDP, who will take forward actions to speed up the development of new alternatives to fossil fuels for the carbon-intensive sectors, so that by 2030 they use the cheapest and most attractive options available to businesses in emerging and developing economies
    • a UK pledge of £65 million towards the world’s first large scale Industry Transition Programme, by the Climate Investment Funds, to support energy-intensive industries in developing economies including India and Indonesia to go green
    • UK government’s support, alongside Germany, for a new funding window for projects developing innovative and transformational clean technologies. Set to open in 2023, this funding from the Mitigation Action Facility will go to key priority sectors – energy, transport and industry – identified in the Breakthrough Agenda at COP27. This will support developing countries to achieve their goals for tackling climate change and reducing emissions

    This comes on top of the Prime Minister’s announcement of a further £65.5 million for the Clean Energy Innovation Facility, which provides grants to researchers and scientists to accelerate the development of innovative clean energy technologies in developing countries. Since the UK-led fund was launched in 2019 it has so far supported 76 projects, including the creation of biomass-powered refrigeration in India, prototype lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria and clean hydrogen-based fuels for steel production in Morocco, among other innovations. Its beneficiaries have praised the programme for its ability to identify business and community needs as it unlocks innovation opportunities.

    CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, Mafalda Duarte said:

    Emissions from hard-to-abate industries are concentrated in developing countries and set to rise.

    With support from the United Kingdom and Sweden, the first-of-its-kind CIF Industry Decarbonisation program will support developing countries, manage transition risks, and seize emerging economic opportunities.

    This investment platform will bring to bear concessional finance, technical assistance, and partnerships to ignite transformation across industries like steel, cement, and aluminium.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK signs major science co-operation agreement with Switzerland [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK signs major science co-operation agreement with Switzerland [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 10 November 2022.

    • The UK and Switzerland sign Memorandum of Understanding deepening the relationship between the 2 countries’ world-leading research and innovation communities
    • memorandum will encourage particular focus on cooperation in ‘deep science’ and ‘deep tech’, as well as commercialisation through innovation, and policy and diplomacy in science and innovation
    • agreement was signed by UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman MP, alongside Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

    The UK and Switzerland have today (Thursday 10 November) signed a major agreement deepening the relationship between the 2 countries’ world-leading research and innovation communities. The agreement was signed by UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman MP, alongside Federal Councillor Parmelin, Head of Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, at a ceremony in London.

    Switzerland – placed top of the global rankings for innovation for the past 10 consecutive years, as well as being home to 2 of Europe’s top 10 universities, a number of world class research laboratories and companies such as Roche and Novartis, and commercial space and satellite technology companies – is a natural partner for the UK.

    Together the 2 nations have 10 of Europe’s top 20 research Universities, and this agreement will deepen an ambitious bilateral relationship in areas of mutual interest across 3 key pillars: deep science, industrial commercialisation and international standards and regulation.

    The UK, with 7 universities in Europe’s top 10, and a larger share of its own research among the world’s most highly-cited than any other G7 country, brings its own exceptional research and innovation strengths to the table. The memorandum outlines the principles of the relationship, and specific forms of cooperation, including:

    • coordinated or joint initiatives, programmes or projects
    • meetings, workshops, conferences or symposia
    • exchange of information and documentation
    • mobility, visits and delegations
    • strategy and coordination meetings
    • plans for Ministers to convene a regular annual Anglo Swiss Research Collaboration Council to oversee activities

    Signing the MoU, Minister of State, George Freeman, said:

    Being a Science Superpower means deepening our international relationships with leading R&D economies like Switzerland, and pursuing multi-lateral collaborations to tackle urgent global challenges like climate change, biosecurity and space sustainability.

    Research is fundamentally collaborative, and this will be another key step in realising the UK’s ambitions to deepen international R&D partnerships with leading laboratories, countries and industries around the world.

    Switzerland is home to world class research in life science – especially neuroscience and vaccines, quantum, space, fintech and cleantech – and with longstanding links with the UK, it is a key strategic partner for us.

    This agreement is more than a piece of paper: Swiss Ministers and I are clear we want to drive deeper tangible co-operation in research fellowships, industrial innovation and regulatory standards in new technology sectors.

    The memorandum will encourage particular focus on cooperation in ‘deep science’ and ‘deep tech’ (including life science, energy technology, AI and space), as well as commercialisation through innovation, and policy and diplomacy in science and innovation.

    Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin said:

    The UK and Switzerland are both world leaders when it comes to research and innovation. Our shared principles, values and scientific excellence make us natural partners.

    In line with Switzerland’s goal to strengthen bilateral cooperation in research and innovation with competitive countries worldwide, the MoU with the UK will provide an excellent framework to further develop our partnership.

    International scientific cooperation is key to solving many global challenges. We can go further, move faster and achieve more by working together.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s first large-scale merchant lithium refinery announced [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s first large-scale merchant lithium refinery announced [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 7 November 2022.

    Today the Business Secretary Grant Shapps is visiting Teesside to announce the UK’s first large-scale merchant lithium refinery, providing battery grade materials for use in the electric vehicle, renewable energy and consumer technology supply chains.

    In a boost for Levelling Up and government plans to make the UK the best place in the world to do business, Green Lithium has unveiled Teesport in Middlesbrough as the site for their forthcoming lithium refinery, delivering more than 1,000 jobs in construction and 250 long-term high-skill jobs for local people once up and running. 89% of the world’s lithium processing currently takes place in East Asia and there are currently no lithium refineries in Europe. Green Lithium aims for this to be the first merchant lithium refinery outside of Asia.

    The UK Government has backed Green Lithium with a grant of over £600,000 through the Automotive Transformation Fund.

    Lithium is an essential component of batteries and a secure supply will be critical for our automotive and energy industries. Critical minerals are irreplaceable in products essential to our everyday lives – such as mobile phones, wind turbines and fighter jets.

    Critical minerals are at high risk of supply disruption, because of volatile markets and complex supply chains. The world in 2040 is projected to need four times more critical minerals than it does today.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    We’re backing companies, like Green Lithium here in Teesside, to grow the new, green industries across the UK, sparking jobs and growth for decades to come.

    This is levelling up in action. The refinery will deliver more than 1,000 jobs during its construction and 250 long-term, high-skill jobs for local people when in operation.

    It is also allowing us to move quickly to secure our supply chains of critical minerals, as we know that geopolitical threats and global events beyond our control can severely impact the supply of key components that could delay the rollout of electric vehicles in the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Business Secretary announces £95 million funding for super-materials of the future to boost UK growth [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Business Secretary announces £95 million funding for super-materials of the future to boost UK growth [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 4 November 2022.

    • “R&D investment is way to turbocharge Britain’s growth” says new Business Secretary, as £95 million government funding announced to support research and development of advanced materials, critical to sectors including health and energy
    • funded projects include 3D bioprinting for use in tissue engineering, robots for plastic recycling and casing for nuclear reactors
    • funding cements UK’s standing as world-leader in advanced materials, with advanced materials-related activity contributing an estimated £14.4 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, equivalent to around £72,000 per employee (25% above the UK average)

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps has today (Thursday 3 November) announced a £95 million boost to develop the super-materials of the future, supporting research and innovation in advanced materials at the Henry Royce Institute, headquartered in Manchester.

    The Business Secretary visited the Royce Institute today, in what was his first official trip since assuming the role at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, allowing him to emphasise his strong belief that R&D investment is an important way in which to turbocharge UK economic growth, as well as celebrating Manchester’s position as an industrial powerhouse in the north of England.

    The significant cash injection, awarded via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), cements the UK’s position as world-leader in advanced materials, and follows an initial £258 million government investment made over the course of 5 years.

    Advanced materials (including biomaterials, smart materials and nano-engineered materials) possess unique properties enabling superior performance to their traditional counterparts, and are critical in a wide range of industries including health, transport, energy, electronics and utilities.

    Activities supported by Royce and backed by government funding, have included 3D bioprinting for healthcare uses such as tissue engineering in regenerative medicine, turning waste materials into sustainable plastics, and new materials to enable quantum technologies.

    One project also brought together academia and industry to advance knowledge of how Zirconium alloy insulation can improve the safety and cost-efficiency of highly radioactive fuel used in nuclear reactors as well as reducing their carbon emissions. This technology could be essential to the success of Britain’s future nuclear fleet, which the government aims to ramp up in order to boost energy security and slash bills.

    Another project is revolutionising the way the UK’s 35,000 tonnes of annually imported titanium, 90% of which is turned into waste during manufacturing, can be reused to create lightweight alloys used for more efficient vehicles, cutting waste and reducing emissions.

    The funding announced this week will advance the Institute’s work to support early-stage research in these materials by providing financial backing, access to research facilities, and opportunities for collaboration between businesses and researchers.

    Speaking during a visit to the Institute, based at The University of Manchester, the Business Secretary said:

    R&D investment is a critical way to turbocharge Britain’s growth. Growing an economy fit for the future means harnessing the full potential of advanced materials, making science fiction a reality by supporting projects from regenerative medicine to robots developing new recycling capabilities, right across the country – including here in the heart of Manchester.

    Today’s £95 million investment will do just that, bringing together the brightest minds across our businesses and institutions to help future-proof sectors from healthcare to nuclear energy.

    The Royce was formed in 2015 with a £235 million government investment through EPSRC. To date, the Royce has worked with 295 UK SMEs and industry users and facilitated 350 collaborations between academia and industry.

    Its mission is to support the growth of globally recognised excellence in UK materials research, accelerating their use in commercial settings and delivering positive, real-world impacts for our society and economy.

    Examples of projects supported so far include:

    • new fuel cladding for fuel in advanced reactors to improve safety, cost and efficiency
    • developing materials needed for quantum computing
    • using waste materials from the shellfish industries to develop bioplastics
    • an innovative method for manufacturing titanium that greatly uses machining waste
    • using computer simulations and robots to accelerate materials discovery in clean energy, sustainable materials and healthcare applications
    • the use of 3D bioprinting techniques in the development and manufacture of bioengineered systems and devices for application in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, Drug Development and other more traditional areas of healthcare

    Advanced Materials and Manufacturing were identified in the government’s Innovation Strategy as 1 of 7 technology families in which the UK has globally competitive R&D and industrial strength.

    EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Dame Lynn Gladden said:

    Advanced materials are crucial to driving growth across our key industries, from energy and transport to health, and ensuring they are sustainable for the future.

    This funding will build on the success of the Henry Royce Institute so far, to unleash the potential of this transformative technology for the benefit of the economy and the environment.

    Professor David Knowles, Royce CEO said:

    Royce and its Partners across the UK, along with the advanced materials community, is very pleased to be able to confirm this Phase ll EPSRC funding.

    Innovation in advanced materials underpins a wider range of our industrial sectors and is fundamental to our economic growth.

    Our Partnership offers a unique combination of materials science expertise, state-of-the-art laboratories and fantastic collaboration spaces for the advanced materials community.

    As we enter our Phase ll operations we are focused now, more than ever, on working with the community to identify the key challenges and opportunities ahead of us, and supporting the translation of innovative research into the viable products and systems needed to ensure a sustainable future for us all.

    Based at the University of Manchester, Royce works across the UK’s regions with academic and industry partners including Johnson Matthey, Rolls-Royce, Siemens and Tata Steel, to stimulate innovation and the development of strong local economies able to compete globally.

    Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive of MakeUK said:

    This is a welcome announcement which recognises the world class research which takes place at this facility.

    If we are to maintain the UK’s position as a leader in research and development together with advanced manufacturing and materials then facilities like this should be at the forefront of industrial strategy.

    UK businesses dependent on production or processing of materials, in which advanced materials play a significant role, employ a workforce of 2.5 million (source).