New calls for projects in Swindon and Wiltshire - £6m available for low carbon and innovation

Projects sought to take forward the Local Energy Strategy and Industrial Strategy with £6m European Regional Development Funds. Applicants workshop and information session to be held on 12 July 2019

By: Julian Head / 1 July 2019

Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership is pleased to note the publication of two new calls valued at £6m of funds, from the local allocation of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Funds for projects are available for the shift to a low carbon economy and to take forward our local priorities for research, development and innovation.

The two calls opened on 28 June 2019 and the window is due to close to outline applications on 30 September 2019. The SWLEP understands that this will be the final opportunity to apply for locally allocated funds.

To find out more about the calls, the Swindon and Wiltshire Technical Assistance project will hold an information sessionon 12^th July 2019 in Chippenham. This is aimed to help potential applicants make robust and eligible applications.

In the low carbon call, which is published by government under ERDF Priority 4, the SWLEP is keen that projects take forward its Local Energy Strategy which has informed the local priorities for the call. In particular there are priorities for:

Smart grids and improved connections that address the shift to decentralised electricity generation, capacity, renewables storage and distribution

Deployment of hydrogen technologies and transport applications across the area, especially where they integrate with renewable generation assets and infrastructure

Projects which open-up demand and use of electric and low-energy vehicles, and

To provide support for SMEs to be more efficient with energy and resources.

The R&D and innovation call is published by governmentunder ERDF Priority 1, and the SWLEP’s local priorities are for projects which support the ability of SMEs to carry out R&D and innovation processes and help local firms grow by creating and offering new goods and services into the marketplace. Projects should aim to contribute to the government’s target of 2.4% of GDP investment in R&D by 2027, and demonstrate alignment with the government’s Industrial Strategy.