A project which helps businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire that want to develop low-carbon products is set to continue for after being awarded new funding.
Energy for Business enables small and medium-sized companies in both counties to receive support for low-carbon and energy projects.
The University of Nottingham-led project, which was launched in 2016, is delivered by the Energy Innovation and Collaboration team and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), making support free to qualifying businesses.
Now, thanks to fresh funding, Energy for Business will continue until October, 2022.
To date, more than 400 businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have received support from the scheme, including product innovation, expert consultancy, access to world-class expertise and facilities, student placements and funding through a capital grant scheme for low-carbon or energy saving projects.
The new award means that close to £3.6 million has now been invested in the programme from the ERDF.
When the matching contribution from the University of Nottingham is included this results in a total project value of £7.2 million.
Colette McHugh-Putman, who leads the energy innovation and collaboration team, said: “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with businesses who have an innovative project or energy saving idea.
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“This new funding will really help us to drive innovation and by working together we can promote business growth, accelerate new energy initiatives and benefit the local economy.”
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One company that has benefited from the support is Giltbrook Workwear, which is based on the Manners Industrial Estate, at Ilkeston.
Chief executive Chris Jackson said: “With the help of Energy for Business we have been able to assess the potential of a roof mounted solar photovoltaic system.
“As a result, we will be installing a 50 kWp system that will save one third of our electricity bill and help reduce our carbon footprint by 23 tonnes a year.”