Energy research and development

Research resources

• Konfer is an online tool that 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 and the research and development support for energy guide.

Support and funding opportunities

• The UK government has established R&D support frameworks across a range of energy sectors to work towards a clean energy future.
• The government aims to be a global leader in the deployment of clean energy by doubling investment to over £30 billion a year by 2035, focusing on industries like wind, nuclear, fusion, hydrogen, carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS), greenhouse gas removal and heat pumps. It aims to unlock £200 billion in investment by 2030, offering a compelling opportunity for forward-looking investors to capitalise on this momentum.
• In addition, the government has announced a comprehensive package of support from public finance institutions. This includes a new £1 billion Great British Energy supply chain fund which will support clean energy industries.
• The R&D Missions Accelerator Programme supports research and innovation opportunities that align with the UK government’s five national missions.

Cleantech Innovation Challenges

• The Cleantech Innovation Challenges programme launched in July 2026. It sets out shared national ambitions for cleantech innovation in mission-critical areas to inspire and engage industry and focus government’s efforts on creating a policy environment that catalyses demand for these new technologies. Through the Cleantech Innovation Challenges, the government will engage across industry, facilitate activities to support companies with innovative solutions and seek to create enabling policy environments to reduce barriers to innovation and create market demand
• The first challenge on carbon management launched in July 2026, aiming to accelerate the development, demonstration and commercialisation of innovative solutions for carbon capture and greenhouse gas removal in the UK.