Funding support available for the testing of Scottish smart grid technologies
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Scotland will gain access to world-class power network testing facilities through an initiative aimed at boosting research and development in the Smart Grid market.
The SME voucher access proposal has been launched by the University of Strathclyde’s Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) and Scottish Enterprise. The innovative scheme will provide funding to companies and stimulate the research output in the sector, further enhancing the PNDC’s relationship with suppliers and operators.
Professor Graeme Burt, Director of the Institute for Energy and Environment at the University of Strathclyde, said: “As an institution, we are committed to working with business and industry to ensure that our research capabilities have an impact on wider society and help Scotland to compete in the global marketplace.
“This initiative encourages companies throughout the country to utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at PNDC and gain access to our research expertise – stimulating growth throughout an already vibrant sector.”
Ewen Cameron, senior manager low carbon technologies at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Smart Grid technologies are becoming increasingly important in enabling the network to be balanced more easily and at affordable cost and bringing considerable benefits to businesses and consumers.
“This scheme will play an important role in helping develop R&D around innovative ideas for new products and services, and support the growth of this important sector.”
The funding is open to all SME organisations throughout Scotland, with Scottish Enterprise matching the financial commitment of the company up to the value of £5000. PNDC will support the company throughout the duration of the project and remain in close contact with Scottish Enterprise.
The company must be involved in the development of a smart grid solution or product in one of the following areas:
- Network and Demand Side Management
- Asset Management
- Power Electronics & Distributed Energy Resources
- Communications & Systems Integration
- Sensors & Measurement
- Protection & Control
- Smart grid-enabling technology
PNDC is committed to developing and testing new low carbon technologies by providing a realistic environment to trial them more quickly and effectively under a range of challenging power system scenarios. The Centre aims to set new standards in electrical distribution with a focus on a range of technology streams.
The Centre was created by the University and leading energy companies, including ScottishPower and Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, with support from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council. It was officially opened by then First Minister Alex Salmond in May 2013.