Ellesmere Port-based Energy Innovation Centre embarks on new partnership

The Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) has launched a partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult to accelerate innovation in the UK’s energy sector.

The deal will see the EIC, which was set up in 2008 to drive innovation among the companies that supply businesses and homes with energy, working alongside Birmingham-based Catapult to support the UK’s energy sector.

The EIC’s managing director, Denise Massey, said: “This is a very exciting partnership for us as it will enhance and expand the scope of our offering to our SME customers.

“In turn, this will enable us to deliver increased value to the energy network operators who are looking for innovative technologies from these companies.”

The EIC works to help SMEs and innovators attract support and bring their technologies to market.

The Catapult’s CEO, Philip New, commented: “We are really looking forward to working with the EIC and other industry partners to support innovation to the sector.

“Innovation has a vital role to play if the energy industry is to thrive – innovation across the whole system: technology, business models, operating models, customers and markets.”

Speaking further, Philip said he believes small businesses play a “fundamental” role in innovation.

He explained: “The creativity, focus and nimbleness of the best smaller companies makes them a critical part of any innovation ecosystem, so it is logical that we work closely with SMEs, listen to them, and help them deliver innovation into the sector.”