The Technology Strategy board is to invest up to £2.4m in feasibility studies to stimulate innovation in power distribution and in management of demand. Proposals are invited that demonstrate innovation in component design, software, implementation, integrated systems and novel business or operational models.

This competition is the first and exploratory phase in a new four-year programme. We aim to stimulate the rapid delivery of innovative technologies and disruptive business models that address the technical and socio-economic challenges posed by reduced generation of power through fossil fuels, increased generation through renewable sources and a predicted surge in demand from the electrification of heat supplies and from electric vehicles.

To support and secure the UK’s role in delivering innovation for future power systems, we will encourage and support collaborative working, technology transfer, and systems integration across the energy generation and supply, digital, built environment, transport, and creative sectors.

There are two strands to the competition. The first is for feasibility studies lasting up to four months where grants will not exceed £25k. The second is for feasibility studies lasting between six and 12 months where grants will not exceed £100k.

Projects in both strands are open to companies of any size but must be led by a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Strand 1 projects may be collaborative or led by a single company. Strand 2 projects must be collaborative. This is a single-stage competition. It opens on 9 January 2012 and the deadline for the receipt of applications is at noon on 22 February 2012. A briefing day for potential applicants will be held on 18 January 2012.

Please note the briefing for potential applicants is being held in London on 18 January, not Birmingham as previously stated in the brief document.

To view the webinar recording of the live 18th January briefing event please click here.