Scotland
Support predominantly comes from central Government, particularly in regard to financial subsidy. This is disseminated at a variety of levels from a UK wide scale to regional agencies, such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Scotland
Support predominantly comes from central Government, particularly in regard to financial subsidy. This is disseminated at a variety of levels from a UK wide scale to regional agencies, such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Scotland
| Project | Support | Description | RE Specific? | Area Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Green Investment Bank plc (GIB) | Equity & Loans | This funding institution was created by the UK Government to attract private sector investment in areas relating to environmental preservation and improvement – of which renewable energy are a major element. Financing can be for a wide variety of projects including the deployment of new technologies, community scale projects as well as larger renewable energy developments such as large offshore wind farms. So far Scotland has seen very little benefit from this scheme. This support is available for both renewables and energy efficiency. Link http://www.greeninvestmentbank.com/ Agency Responsible: UK Green Investment Bank plc Funding: Backs small project of £2m to large projects of £1bn. | Yes | National |
| Scottish Innovative Foundation Technologies fund | Grants | The aim of the fund is to help drive down the cost of energy and develop the offshore wind sector in Scotland through innovation in deep-water offshore wind foundation design and installation. Although the funding is open to larger organisations it is also available for SMEs. Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/sift/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Up to £15 million available, rates of support vary depending on project | Yes | Regional |
| InnovFin Energy Demo Projects | Loans | InnovFin Energy Demo Projects provides loans or loan guarantees between €7.5 million and €75 million to first-of-a-kind commercial-scale demonstration projects in the fields of renewable energy and hydrogen and fuel cells, helping to bridge the gap from demonstration to commercialisation. Link http://www.eib.org/products/blending/innovfin/products/energy-demo-projects.htm Agency Responsible: European Investment Bank Funding: Loans and guarantees from €7.5 million to €75 million. The total project costs must be a minimum of €15 million. | Yes | European |
| Barclays Renewable Energy Fund | Loans | The £100 million fund for loans is designed to help farmers in the UK meet the costs of renewable energy initiatives like wind farms, solar panels, organic waste power and hydro plants. With the changes to the feed-in tariff the effectiveness of this scheme is likely to be reduced. Link https://www.mygov.scot/barclays-renewable-energy-fund/ https://www.barclayscorporate.com/ Agency Responsible: Barclays bank Funding: A term loan of £25,000 and above is available. | Yes | National |
| EIB - European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) | Equity & Loans | EFSI is an EU initiative which aims to help overcome the investment gap in the EU by mobilising private financing for strategic investments. SMEs interested in EFSI transactions financed via the EIF (European Investment Fund) should refer to information on EIF financial intermediaries: After the UK exit from Europe the status of this fund in Scotland is uncertain Link http://www.eif.org/index.htm Agency Responsible: European Investment Fund Funding: No specific maximum or minimum requirements in place. | No | National |
| District Heating Loan Fund | Loans | Loans offered on a commercial basis for both renewable and low carbon, low emission technologies in Scotland, for heating distributed through a network of pipes to provide space and water heating in homes or offices. Although it support is designed to promote renewable energy any business may apply. Loans of up to £500,000 per project are available over a 10 or 15 year period. Link https://www.mygov.scot/district-heating-loan-fund/ http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland Agency Responsible: Energy Saving Trust Scotland Funding: £500,000 which may be repaid over either a 10 or 15 year period. Loan terms for larger projects that exceed £500,000 may be considered on a case by case basis. | No | Regional |
| Resource Efficient Scotland SME loans | Loans | SME loans of £1,000 to £100,000 are available to help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions, save money and increase their competitiveness. Funded by the Scottish Government, the scheme aims to support businesses that are looking to reduce costs through improved energy, material resource and water efficiency.Resource Efficient Scotland provide advice and support to prospective applicants. A comprehensive list of eligible measures qualify for the loan, including; renewable technologies, a range of commercial and industrial energy efficiency measures, building fabric improvements, waste reduction and water saving equipment. The Energy Saving Trust administer the scheme and are responsible for the assessment and processing of applications. Link http://www.resourceefficientscotland.com/content/loans-small-medium-businesses http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland Agency Responsible: Resource Efficient Scotland Funding: £1,000 to £100,000 | Yes | Regional |
| Scottish Investment Bank | Equity & Loans | The Scottish Venture Fund The Scottish Venture Fund invests in companies from start-ups, early-stage to expanding businesses seeking funding to develop products and/or markets. This fund can invest alongside private sector investors on equal terms, up to a maximum of 50% of the total funding package on a commercial basis. Match funding will be provided in the range from £10,000 up to £2 million, as part of a total deal size ranging from £20,000 to £10 million. https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/attract-investment/scottish-venture-fund/svf-overview Scottish Loan Fund The Scottish Loan Fund provides loans ranging from £250,000 to £5 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is designed for businesses that are looking for capital to help drive their expansion plans. It provides mezzanine finance, a product that sits between debt and equity and is used to fund companies with positive cash flow and significant growth ambitions. This support is not specific to Renewable Energy, but to SME’s in general. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/about-us/what-we-do/investment/sib Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: 50% of the total funding package from £20,000 to £10 million for the Venture Fund. Loans ranging from £250,000 to £5 million to SMEs for the Loan Fund | No | Regional |
| Highland Venture Capital | Equity | Highland Venture Capital was formed in 2006 with the aim of of providing a source of equity finance for growing or new-start businesses. Our investment criteria are:- • Companies requiring £75k or greater. • A preference for companies operating in the Highlands • A preference for companies wanting to supply their goods and services beyond the Highlands There is a preference for companies wanting to supply their goods and services beyond the Highlands. Link http://www.hie.co.uk/business-support/funding/highland-venture-capital/default.html Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) Funding: Minimum £75,000 | No | National (Local allocation) |
| Enterprise Investment Scheme | Taxation / Tax relief | The purpose of the support is to encourage investment to companies not listed on the stock exchange and often have a high level of associated. The headline benefits are: • 30% upfront Income tax relief up to maximum investment of £1 million, which can be carried back to the previous tax year • 100% Inheritance Tax relief (provided the investments have been held for at least 2 years at time of death) • Capital gains tax deferral for the life of the investment • Tax-free growth • Tax relief from investment losses HM Revenue and Customs and administered through their Small Company Enterprise Centre office. Link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-enterprise-investment-scheme-introduction Agency Responsible: HM Revenue and Customs Funding: The maximum tax relief is £300,000 | No | National |
| Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme | Taxation / Tax relief | The scheme aims to encourage investment in start-ups which are otherwise deemed too risky. The headline benefits are: • Investors get 50% income tax relief on the cost of shares, for a maximum annual investment of £100,000. • No Capital Gains Tax is paid on profits earned on shares held for more than three years. Capital gains which are realised before three years has expired, but which are reinvested into qualifying SEIS shares, are also exempt from Capital gains tax (again £100,000 limit). • If the company goes bankrupt, investors may claim loss relief on their investment which is equal to half of their total investment multiplied by their tax rate. • 100% Inheritance Tax relief. HM Revenue and Customs and administered through their Small Company Enterprise Centre office. Link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/seed-enterprise-investment-scheme-background Agency Responsible: HM Revenue and Customs Funding: Cannot raise more than £150,000 through the scheme | No | National |
| Low carbon heat expert support – Scottish Enterprise | Training | Low Carbon Heat Expert Support programme offers Scottish-based companies access to free support through a series of workshops and up to two days one-to-one technical market support offering advice and guidance on how to make the most of the opportunities in low carbon heat. This advice could focus on: • Market entry requirements • Your company’s current capabilities (e.g. skills, processes) and its potential in relation to current low carbon heat opportunities • Suitability of a specific product to the sector • Market/supply chain positioning and contacts Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/low-carbon-heat-support/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | Regional |
| High Growth Start Up | Advice | High Growth Start Up service can offer intensive support to: • Develop your business plan • Seek funders, investors, loans and grants • Build your management and non-executive teams • Protect your intellectual assets This support is open to any business which wants to scale up. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/support-for-entrepreneurs/high-growth-support/whats-involved Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | Regional |
| Low Carbon Skills Fund | Training | The LCSF enables small businesses from any sector to access training in low carbon methods. Up to £5,000 is available. We refund up to 50% of employee training costs, up to a maximum of £1,000 per employee. • Training might include: • Energy efficiency measures • Waste management and re-use • Energy assessors or advisers • Sustainable resource management • Installing microgeneration products such as biomass boilers, ground source heat pumps, or solar panels. Link https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/our-products/low-carbon-skills-fund/ Agency Responsible: Skills Development Scotland Funding: £5,000 | No | Regional |
| 2015 – 2018 Business Plan | Advice | Scottish Enterprise is a sponsored (but non-departmental) Scottish Government body. The 2015 – 2018 Business plan sets out their approach to delivering economic growth for Scotland. Whilst not exclusively aimed at renewable energy it is relevant to many schemes. Particularly pertinent is the aim to encourage innovation in SMEs. This support relates to renewables but non-renewable businesses can apply. More information is available at https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/about-us/what-we-do/business-plan Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: N/A | No | Regional |
| Marine Energy Parks | Networking Support | Marine Energy Parks (MEPs) are a UK government initiative that brings together local and national government, Local Enterprise Partnerships, technology developers, academia and industry for the development of the marine energy sector, with the aim of creating a supportive business environment for accelerating the commercialisation of wave and tidal technology. MEPs should help provide an arena where SMEs can provide their services to this growing sector. This support is focussed on renewable energy business but it can benefit others. Link http://www.hi-energy.org.uk/hi-marine-energy-park.htm Agency Responsible: HI Energy Funding: N/A | Yes | National (Regional allocation) |
| Scotland’s International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) | Networking Support | The project aim is to bring business and academia together by stimulating co-location, innovation, and investment in Scotland’s offshore renewable energy sector. Centered in Glasgow, ITREZ has two purpose built buildings: 'inovo', and the Technology and Innovation Centre, acting as a hub for around 450 renewables engineers and project managers, and 850 energy academics and researchers. For SMEs the project allows them to be located closer to large industry within ITREZ. Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/itrez/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional |
| European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) | Research & Development | EMEC is an accredited test and research centre for wave and tidal stream devices based in Orkney, off the north coast of mainland Scotland. It provides developers with the opportunity to test full-scale prototype devices in high energy wave and tidal environments. In addition to full scale test sites there are also nursery sites for testing of small scale prototypes. Although the test centre is based in Orkney it has been used by many developers (including international). As a result of EMEC there has been substantial growth in Orkney based around or stemming from the marine energy industry (including enterprises set up for servicing devices). Link http://www.emec.org.uk/ Agency Responsible: EMEC Funding: Rather than providing funding this is testing enabler scheme. | Yes | Local |
| SMART: Scotland | Grants | Feasibility studies Supports up to 70% of the eligible costs for a small SME and up to 60% of the eligible costs for a medium SME: • A Small SME has less than 50 employees and a turnover of less than €10m • A Medium SME has 50-250 employees and a turnover of less than €50m Studies must last between 6 and 18 months, and the maximum grant is £100,000. One third of the grant is paid upfront when the project starts. The remainder is paid quarterly in arrears against claims submitted. R&D Projects This covers projects that aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a new product or process. Support is available at up to 35 per cent of the eligible project costs. Projects must last between 6 and 36 months, and the maximum grant is £600,000. The grant is paid quarterly in arrears and minimum total project cost is £75,000. Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/smart-scotland/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: For feasibility maximum £100k, for R&D £600k | No | Regional |
| Research & Development (R&D) Grant | Grants | Projects typically last 6 to 36 months, and the grant can cover up to 50% of the project costs. The project must represent a significant innovation for the company concerned and significant risks should be associated with the challenge of developing a new product, process or service. It’s got to be new, they don’t support projects where the work has already started or commercial contracts are in place. This support is open to new research and development. Grants are available at: • For ALL SMEs applying for a grant in excess of £100k, SE are providing an intervention rate of 35% up to 50%. • Grants above £100,000 must demonstrate a positive impact on R&D jobs in Scotland. An understanding is required to why the support is needed and consequences if support isn't available. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/rd-grant/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: No limit | No | Regional |
| Scottish Energy Laboratory | Research & Development | The Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) gives national and international companies access to Scotland's key. Through the SEL identify test facilities and services such as: • Wind tunnels and wave tanks • High voltage network connection • Mechanical testing of large components • Performance testing of energy conversion and storage technologies • Electrical testing of motors, generators and power electronics It includes capabilities like the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, International Technology & Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) in Glasgow, the Energy Technology Centre in East Kilbride, the Hydrogen Office at Energy Park Fife and the Energy Technology Partnership across 12 Scottish Universities. This support is available for the entire energy sector and not just renewables. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/scottish-energy-laboratory/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | National & International |
| High-Growth Spinout Programme | Grants | The High-Growth Spinout Programme helps researchers to take their ideas and inventions from the lab to the global marketplace by awarding funding and support. High-Growth Spinout Programme awards cover 100% of direct project costs prior to company formation. The programme does not pay overhead costs. Support is divided into three phases, with progress from one phase to the next being dependent on rigorous assessment. Payments are made quarterly, subject to satisfactory progress being made on the project. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/support-for-entrepreneurs/high-growth-spinout-programme/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: No limit set | No | Regional |
| Community And Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) | Grants | The scheme is aimed at renewable projects that offer significant community engagement and benefit, providing loans towards the high risk, pre-planning consent stages of renewable energy projects. The Scottish Government’s Community Energy Policy Statement and Good Practice for community benefit and shared ownership means all CARES applications require a degree of community ownership. This support is specific for locally-owned renewable energy projects. Link http://www.localenergyscotland.org/funding-resources/funding/applying-to-cares/ Agency Responsible: Local energy Scotland Funding: Up to £150,000 | Yes | Regional |
| Community Energy Scotland | Advice | CES is a Scottish registered charity that provides support throughout the process of community renewable energy developments. The charity is member based and facilitates knowledge transfer through partners. CES provides Social Enterprise/Community Enterprise Support and also provides consultancy services Link http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/index.asp Agency Responsible: Community Energy Scotland (CES) Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional |
| Local Energy Scotland | Advice | Offers a range of support for community and social enterprises who want to develop renewables. This includes information on renewable technologies and information on how to apply for funding. Link http://www.localenergyscotland.org/ Agency Responsible: Local Energy Scotland Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional |
| Highlands and Islands Shared Ownership Support | Advice | Highlands and Islands Enterprise are supporting a Shared Ownership Programme to accelerate Shared Ownership projects. The programme will undertake the following activities. • Community based workshops + training • Webinars • One to one support • Provision of specialist technical, financial and legal support • Resources and guidance tools to accelerate decision making Link http://www.hie.co.uk/community-support/community-energy/shared-ownership-of-renewables.html Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Not applicable | Yes | Local |
| Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) | Grants & Loans | Launched in early 2015, the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme LCITP is a new working partnership between the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust and sector specialists. It is aligned to the Scottish Government's commitment to the transition to the low carbon economy, and offers a range of support mechanisms. The Programme aims to support the development of substantive private, public and community low-carbon projects across Scotland through the provision of development support, expert advice and funding. It is designed to ensure that investment results in defined impacts for communities. Link http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Action/lowcarbon/LCITP Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Not applicable | No | Local |
| CARES plus | Business Development | It’s a pilot ‘Fast-Track’ programme of support for selected community energy projects in the Highlands and Islands. It will work intensively with a limited number of advanced community energy projects to help them achieve key milestones towards financial close and installation. HIE have commissioned Community Energy Scotland (CES) to deliver this programme, which is provided at no cost to eligible organisations Link http://www.hie.co.uk/community-support/community-energy/cares-plus.html Agency Responsible: Community Energy Scotland (CES) Funding: Not applicable | Yes | Local |
| Scottish Communities Development Centre (SCDC) Community Support | Business Development | The nature of this support will vary depending on the particular needs or circumstances of the participating groups, but may include: • advice, guidance and signposting • access to tools and resources • training delivery • mentoring / practical support • connecting and networking. More information is available at Link http://www.scdc.org.uk/what/supporting-communities/ http://www.hie.co.uk/community-support/community-support/default.html Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Not applicable | No | Local |
| Contracts for Difference | Subsidies | A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a private law contract between a low carbon electricity generator and the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC), a government-owned company. A generator party to a CFD is paid the difference between the ‘strike price’ – a price for electricity reflecting the cost of investing in a particular low carbon technology – and the ‘reference price’– a measure of the average market price for electricity in the GB market. To win a contract for difference renewable schemes have to bid against each other. Contracts for Difference are the main source of subsidy for renewable projects greater than 5 MW This is administered by Department of Energy and Climate Change through the Low Carbon Contracts Company. This scheme is the replacement of the UK Government’s old Renewable Obligation Certificate support scheme for large renewable projects. All low carbon forms of generation are eligible. Link https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/electricity-market-reform-contracts-for-difference Agency Responsible: Department of Energy and Climate Change Funding: Depends on several factors including renewable type and the contract decided. Less mature renewables are paid more. The payments are given per MWh of electricity generated. Project under 5 MW go through the feed-in tariff approach instead. There is no maximum project size. | No | National |
| Feed-in tariff | Subsidies | If an application is successful a set amount for each unit (kWh) of electricity generated is payed. The rates vary depending on: • the size of system • technology type • when the system was installed • for household projects how energy efficient the house is The feed-in tariff is the main support mechanism for renewable projects under 5 MW in size. The feed-in tariff system has seen dramatic changes (i.e. massive cuts), as a result the ability of many schemes to be profitable is now dramatically reduced and many companies particularly in the solar sector have gone out of business. Link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/fit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change Agency Responsible: Department of Energy and Climate Change Funding: No minimum project size, maximum of 5 MW. Tariff depends on type of renewable, for example currently Micro CHP receives the highest FiT tariff. | Yes | National |
| Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) | Subsidies | The RHI is a government environmental programme that provides financial incentives to increase the uptake of renewable heat by businesses, the public sector and non-profit organisations. Eligible installations receive quarterly payments over 20 years based on the amount of heat generated. It is the major support mechanism in place for renewable heat, being the equivalent of what the feed-in tariff is for electricity. Businesses, public sector and non-profit organisations can apply if equipment was installed in England, Scotland or Wales on or after 15 July 2009 (or later in some cases). Installations must meet certain requirements. Available to any business which uses heating Link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/non-domestic-rhi Agency Responsible: OFGEM Funding: Provides additional income for 20 years, this income depends on the amount of heat generated | No | National |
| Circular Economy Investment Fund | Grants | The Circular Economy Investment Fund is a funding opportunity for businesses and organisations in Scotland working in all business and social economy sectors. £18 million as grant funding to small and medium sized enterprises who are helping to create a more circular economy. Funding support can be provided for eligible operating and/or capital costs of the project, dependent upon which funding mechanism you select. Funding will only be provided in full where the costs (capital and operating) are utilised 100% for the purpose of the project. Link http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/circular-economy/investment-fund Agency Responsible: Zero Waste Scotland Funding: Non applicable | No | Regional |
| Innovate Your Business Support by HIE | Grants | Funding of up to £15,000 could be offered to SMEs through our Small Innovation Grant Schemes. This is made available throughout the year to applicants working in the Highlands and Islands, and available to businesses with no more than 250 employees. This support is available for all SMEs. Link http://www.hie.co.uk/business-support/innovation-r-d/iyb.htm Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Maximum £15,000 | No | Local |
| Start Global Programme | Training | The Start Global Programme is for new or early stage innovation driven companies with ambitions to go global. It’s an intensive 4 month programme, designed to challenge and help validate the business idea. The programme includes: • Workshops • Entrepreneurial training • One-to-one support • A market visit to explore global opportunities Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/knowledge-hub/articles/insight/how-to-start-global Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | Regional |
| Scotedge | Grants & Loans | Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. Winners of the Scottish EDGE will benefit from: Funding of up to £100,000, taking the form of a 50% grant, 50% loan Mentoring and support from a mature entrepreneur Enrolment into the EDGE Alumni programme Package of Support from leading business organisations Link https://scottishedge.com/ Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Maximum £100,000 | No | Regional |
| Support | RE Specific? | Area Type |
LINKS
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