Research and development support for energy

The UK’s research infrastructure is sophisticated and well-developed, across both academic institutions and the private sector. Many businesses have their own research and development (R&D) operations.

Major UK research organisations

Find specific projects and information on the work of research organisations on their websites:

Research resources

Konfer is an online tool which uses smart matching technology to connect UK universities and businesses.

UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.

Find out more about help for R&D in our guide to incentives, funding and support in the UK.

Support and funding opportunities

The UK government has established R&D funds and support frameworks across a range of energy sectors, to work towards a clean energy future.

Civil nuclear

A total of £385 million is being made available with the Advanced Nuclear Fund. It includes £215 million for small modular reactor development and a new framework to support their deployment.

Decarbonisation

The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund supports the development of technologies to enable high energy-use businesses to transition to a low carbon future, with £185 million available in the latest phase of funding.

Electric vehicle charging

The £950 million Rapid Charging Fund will aim to future-proof charging capacity on the motorway network in preparation for 100% uptake of zero emissions vehicles.

The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Scheme supports the roll-out of EV infrastructure across England, aimed at encouraging ambitious installation projects that use significant private sector investment. Up to £343 million will be allocated to successful bids by local authorities.

Also via local authorities, the £20 million On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme provides part funding for EV charging points for motorists without off-street parking.

Hydrogen

The £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund supports the deployment of new low carbon hydrogen production plants, and a hydrogen business model to provide producers with revenue support.

Multiple energy subsectors

The UK Research and Innovation Challenge Fund presents support opportunities for a range of projects, including those focusing on industrial decarbonisation, smart local energy systems, battery technology, and power electronics. The fund is part of the government’s commitment to increase R&D funding by £4.7 billion over 4 years, to strengthen the ability of science and business to address key industrial and societal challenges.

A £960m Green Industries Growth Accelerator fund has been announced to support offshore wind; hydrogen; carbon capture, use and storage networks; and nuclear supply chains – boosting investments in new manufacturing capacity across the UK.

The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is the government’s main mechanism for supporting low carbon electricity generation. The scheme incentivises investment in renewable energy by providing project developers protection from fluctuating energy prices. In late 2023 the government announced it would raise the maximum price that offshore wind projects could receive from CfD by 66%.

Offshore wind

The UK government has introduced a set of capital allowance measures that offshore wind projects can benefit from. For example, companies can claim 100% capital allowances on plant and machinery investment, and/or a 50% first year allowance for special rate (including long-life) assets. The scheme will end in March 2026.

Transition fuels

The Green Gas Support Scheme is a government programme giving financial support for injecting biomethane into the gas grid. There is also support for the oil and gas industry explore opportunities in cleaner energy. The North Sea Transition Deal proposes £14-16 billion in new energy technologies.