Projects developing regulations to support net zero retrofits and end-of-life wind turbines have secured a share of the funding totalling £4.7 million.
Innovate UK has announced the investment for 11 new networks that develop new tools, data sets and approaches using regulatory science, with the aim of giving policymakers access to the research and evidence to future-proof regulations.
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult will lead one of the projects that will explore regulatory drivers and barriers to the development of a circular economy for end-of-life wind turbines in the UK while Building Research Establishment will lead a project that will advance regulatory science to help policymakers regulate housing retrofit technologies.
In addition, Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association will help advance regulation and create business growth opportunities for bio-based and biodegradable materials and the University of Sheffield will lead a project to strengthen life cycle assessment – a method of evaluating the environmental impacts of products and materials.
Ailsa Kennedy-Ballard, Deputy Director Innovation Programmes and Partnerships at Innovate UK said: “This investment marks a significant step forward in addressing the regulatory challenges that often hinder innovation.
“By establishing these Regulatory Science and Innovation Networks, we’re enabling collaboration between researchers, businesses and policymakers to contribute to a regulatory landscape that can adapt to the pace of technological advancements.
“These networks will not only help unlock opportunities for investment and innovation but also ensure that the UK remains a competitive leader in creating safer, more sustainable and forward thinking solutions across diverse sectors.”
