Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) has awarded funding to eight companies looking to provide alternative energy options.
The grants were part of its first Innovation Challenge, which focuses on companies seeking to develop small-scale off-grid, mobile or temporary energy provision.
It was launched in July, resulting in 17 applications, which have been narrowed down to nine funded projects from eight companies.
Each project demonstrated the viability of its solution across a range of options, including hydrogen fuel cells, battery power, solar thermal, heat capture and hydro.
The funding will allow the companies to carry out market research, feasibility studies and prototyping projects.
Each of the projects have been awarded £5,000, totalling £45,000 in full across all nine projects.
All projects are due to start by October and include:
PlusZero: Identifying the most cost-effective hydrogen-based technology to meet the events industry needs for a small scale clean portable power generator.
Enocell: Market assessment of a fully autonomous fuel cell and electrolyser generator.
Tronius: Tronius GenEcan is looking to provide an alternative to small diesel and petrol generators at events where grid power is not available.
Solarskit: Trialling a low-cost, self-assembled passive solar hot water system in Southern Africa.
Finesse Control Systems: Mobile battery power supply solutions.
KelpCrofting: Development of an eco-dryer for processing kelp.
Carruthers Renewables: Harnessing very low-head hydropower.
Hydrowheel: Validating hydrowheel technology within a beachhead market.
PlusZero: Development of a carbon free space heating module to double hydrogen monofuel generator efficiency.
Sarah Petrie, innovation director at MSIP, said: “Through MSIP’s Innovation Programme we want to support early-stage companies that have an idea, but will benefit from additional support to further test, research and develop that idea into a viable product that can be taken to market.”
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