The ETI operates through Technology Programmes, which typically create a portfolio of large-scale projects to develop technologies to demonstration, ready for commercialisation. We assess projects on the basis of their contribution to UK energy policy goals, and their technical and commercial attractiveness.
Our primary aim is to overcome the barriers to the deployment of energy technologies, and so we support projects in a range of areas that can help us to accelerate deployment. Typically we support projects that:
- develop and demonstrate system level capabilities based on novel low carbon energy technologies or services
- create addtional value through the capabilities of the ETI Industry Members and Project Partners
- create new partnerships - improving skills, knowledge, capabilities and supply chain capacity
- create benefit in the UK and globally - through deployment, skills, knowledge base or exports
- reduce risk associated with novel energy systems and supply chains
- identify barriers requiring "next generation" science and technology support
- inform development of regulations, standards, and policy
Projects may include analyses of skills, standards and regulations, economic models, and studies to increase market development and understanding.
The ETI fills a vital gap in the energy industry’s R&D chain, by taking existing technologies, where proof of concept already exists, to large-scale demonstration. We then expect others to take that technology to commercial prototype.
We define the levels of maturity of the technologies as "Technology Readiness Levels" (TRLs), and the ETI operates between levels 3-6. In summary:-
TRL 1 to 3: ‘in the lab’ research and feasibility.
TRL 3 to 6: “at scale” technological development.
TRL 6 to 7: technology is demonstrated with commercial prototypes.
TRL 8 to 9: describes technology once it is ‘in service.'