The Net Zero Technology Centre has recently announced the launch of its 2022 Open Innovation Programme aimed at developing and deploying technologies to reduce offshore emissions, accelerate clean energy production, and enable the delivery of the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
The 2022 programme will feature two funding competitions, the first of which is opening in March, 2022 and the second scheduled for October later this year.
Businesses from across the globe can apply for a share of US$9.2mn available in the first competition, with a maximum of US$1.3mn to be awarded to each successful project.
The projects, in order to secure the funding, 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 the industry. Seven technology focus areas have been identified for the first competition:
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
Hydrogen and clean fuels
Renewables and energy storage
Zero emissions power
Venting and flaring
Integrity management
Late-life and decommissioning
Digital and data architecture, smart assets and field automation will be included in the technology focus areas within the second US$3.9 funding competition due for launch in October 2022.
Myrtle Dawes, Solution Centre Director, Net Zero Technology Centre commented, “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 on the competition, “Accelerating efforts to reach net-zero is a priority for this Scottish Government, which is providing US$118mn 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,” she added.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said, "The UK Government is investing US$118mn 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."
