Net zero funding opportunities you need to know about

NZIW

Starting your business’ journey to net zero — or finding a way to progress an existing decarbonisation project — can seem like a daunting task… But you don’t need to do it alone.

Collaboration is the key to decarbonising Welsh industry — and with 2030 net zero targets quickly approaching, there is a range of funding to empower you on your journey.

Let’s look at some of the funding opportunities available in Wales…

Principality Building Society Retrofit for the Future Fund

Purpose:

The Principality Building Society Retrofit for the Future Fund is a Wales-wide fund set up with Community Foundation Wales — to improve the environment in Wales.

The fund supports projects that improve energy efficiency and the environmental impact of buildings in Wales — prioritising organisations supporting underserved and vulnerable communities.

What’s on offer?

  • Grants of up to £25,000 for one year.

Who can apply?

Those undertaking retrofit projects to improve building energy efficiency (e.g., solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, energy-efficient lighting, battery storage). These projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact and energy savings.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Constituted groups
  • Registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations
  • Companies limited by guarantee
  • Community interest companies
  • Social enterprises
  • Located in Wales or border regions (Chester, Oswestry, Hereford, Shrewsbury).

How to apply:

  • Complete an online application form available on the Principality Building Society website.

For more information and to apply, visit: communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants/principality-building-society-retrofit-for-the-future-fund

Innovate UK South West Wales Launchpad

Purpose:

  • Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme is aimed at supporting clusters of SMEs and innovative businesses to progress their ideas toward commercialisation, contributing to local economic growth. 
  • In partnership with Net Zero Industry Wales, the programme is dedicated to the pursuit of sustainablesolutions in the realm of Net Zero industrial emissions.

What’s on offer?

  • SMEs are invited to apply for grants from the £7.5m in UK Government funding, to undertake decarbonisation initiatives.

Who can apply?

  • Micro and small companies delivering projects in renewable energies, fuel switching, electrification and many other areas of sustainability.
  • Based in the South West Wales region: Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.

When will applications open?

  • The next round of funding is set to be announced in Autumn 2024.

To find out more about the Innovate UK South West Wales Launchpad, visit: iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/launchpads/

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UKRI Sustainable Industrial Futures

Purpose:

UKRI is offering up to £18 million over seven years to support research enabling UK industries transitioning to net-zero emissions.  

The funding aims to:

  • Drive sustainable industrial practices: focussing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting circular economy.  
  • Advance UK net-zero goals: building on previous UKRI investments and supporting cross-sectoral collaboration.  

What’s on offer?

  • Up to £18 million in funding over seven years.  
  • Opportunity to lead a virtual centre of excellence.
  • Support for research, development, and deployment of sustainable technologies.  

Who can apply?

  • Researchers from UK universities and research organisations.  
  • Collaborative projects involving industry partners are encouraged.

Closing date: December 11, 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit: /www.ukri.org/opportunity/sustainable-industrial-futures/

Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme: Net Zero Skills

Purpose:

The Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme: Net Zero Skills was launched in 2023, to help employers across Wales address the sustainable skills gap. The initiative provides businesses with a financial contribution towards the training cost of employees — overcoming the net zero challenges being faced.

What’s on offer?

  • A grant award of 50% of training costs which fall within the listed training areas — up to a maximum Welsh Government contribution of £25,000.

Who can apply?

Employers can apply to help source training in a range of net zero skills areas – click here for a full list.

To find out more about the Flexible Skills Programme, visit: businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway/flexible-skills-programme

Wrexham University Low Carbon Energy, Efficiency & Sustainability (Degree Apprenticeship)

Purpose:

This fully funded course has been developed to meet the needs of local industry in this critical field. The programme covers the key aspects of how to create systems, products and services that are sustainable and to limit adverse effects on the environment.

This industry-focussed program could benefit your organisation by helping you or your employees understand and comply with new legislation, potentially reducing energy costs, improving public relations, and enhancing your staff’s personal development skills.

What’s on offer?

A fully funded industry focussed programme, with work-based assessment. The course will enable engineers to assess the sustainability of the systems and products and make improvements for development.

Who can apply?

The standard entry requirements of the University for this programme are (for Level 4 entry):

  • 48-72 UCAS tariff points from appropriate level 3 qualification such as A Levels
  • 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C, including Maths and English Language/Welsh

However, all applicants who do not meet the above requirements will be interviewed prior to being made an offer —ensuring that those without formal UCAS tariff points have the opportunity to demonstrate how their industry skills and experiences  make them a suitable candidate for this programme of study.

How to apply:

For more information and to apply, visit: wrexham.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-courses/low-carbon-energy-efficiency-and-sustainability-degree-apprenticeship/#panel6

If you need support with securing funding for your upcoming decarbonisation projects, Net Zero Industry Wales can help you. Check out our membership page to discover all of the benefits of becoming a member.