Light Science Technologies, have welcomed the inclusion of the horticultural sector in eligibility for Phase 3 of the UK Government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund. Initially launched in 2020, the most recent phase of the funding scheme was opened in January and is accepting applications until April.
The scheme invites eligible businesses in high energy use sectors to apply for funding to reduce energy consumption and emissions by investing in energy efficient and low carbon technologies. Following lobbying from the National Farmers Union (NFU), the latest tranche of the £500 million grant scheme now includes Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) as a sector which can benefit.
“We’re naturally delighted that our clients and partners in horticulture can now access this important funding. It makes perfect sense that a growing sector, seeking to improve UK food security, should benefit from funding to help reduce carbon emissions too” says Craig Price, Operations Director of Light Science Technologies.
“Growing under glass is currently an area of great opportunity and low-energy technology is not only driving down costs but increasing yields. With the right mix of light, UK growers can choose higher value crops and varieties, and increase profitability” adds Craig.
“Sunlight can be inconsistent, particularly in spring and autumn, so our technology helps growers to lengthen the growing season and produce bigger harvests, without the costs or emissions traditionally associated with lighting. With funding now available to help pay for its installation, it could be a game-changer for many UK growers” concludes Craig.