Centrica set to ‘shine a light’ on green energy start-ups at COP26

02 November 2021

Sustainability

Michael Pullan, Senior Communications Manager

T: 07557 619446

The role of technology and innovation in tackling the climate challenge is at the heart of Centrica’s programme for COP26, as the company today outlined initiatives aimed at unlocking potentially transformative energy ideas from entrepreneurs and communities at the Glasgow summit.

Centrica is the exclusive partner for the Tech For Our Planet challenge at the Glasgow summit. Delivered in partnership with PUBLIC and the Cabinet Office, the programme is designed to explore and showcase how digital and data solutions can make essential contributions to the global climate effort. Successful startups will pilot and showcase solutions that are aligned to government priorities and net zero targets.

The programme covers a number of climate challenges from how technology can be used to drive more sustainable consumption within the home to supporting aquatic ecosystem protection, including ecosystem recovery and preventing biodiversity loss.

"The existential threat of climate change requires new technologies, new thinking and renewed determination and our programme at COP26 is designed to shine a light on and provide support to companies and communities that can accelerate our response."

Chris O'Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive

Centrica will also announce the latest round of grants from its Energy for Tomorrow social-impact fund. A number of Scottish community and charity organisations will be awarded grants of up to £100,000 to help fund activities that fight climate change. It’s the latest round of grants awarded by the fund, which has previously supported an organisation specialising in remote thermal surveys and another building innovative thermal shutters.

One Centrica-backed organisation that will showcase its potential in Glasgow is SNRG, which will open the doors to a zero-carbon modular ‘home of the future’ featuring the latest home energy management technology.

The SNRG (pron: synergy) house has been built at the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre in Hamilton and will be equipped with the latest in passivhouse design, Hive technology and smart heating products, including the Centrica backed Mixergy hot water tank.

Chris O’Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive, said: “The existential threat of climate change requires new technologies, new thinking and renewed determination and our programme at COP26 is designed to shine a light on and provide support to companies and communities that can accelerate our response. The time for procrastination has been and gone and these two weeks in Glasgow present an opportunity for business, tech and governments from across the globe to accelerate progress towards Net Zero.”

NOTES

Energy for Tomorrow (EfT) – is a not-for-profit social impact scheme established by Centrica with a mission to help tackle climate change and empower communities and entrepreneurs who have initiatives that can deliver affordable, accessible and sustainable energy solutions for all. It aims to advance green innovations and community projects that will help the country reach net zero. As well as funding, EfT also offers mentoring expertise and support to initiatives that can help accelerate the energy transition and enable a more inclusive and sustainable future for our communities.

IMAGE - UNFCC