A £60 million fund to help new technology and low carbon solutions be developed in Scotland is now open for business.

The Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP), which is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), will fund large scale projects which support the ambitions of Scotland’s Energy Strategy, which was published in December 2017.

Projects which deliver low carbon heating solutions, integrated energy systems, and ultra-low emission vehicle charging infrastructure will be able to apply for up to £100,000 to develop investment-ready business cases or financial support of up to 50% of the total capital value of a project up to a maximum of £10 million per project is available for capital–ready projects.

Climate change secretary Roseanna Cunningham will officially launch the fund at an event at Scotland House in London, which will be attended by business leaders, climate experts and environmental campaigners.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s event, Ms Cunningham said: “We have, first and foremost, a moral obligation to fight climate change.

“But for a nation with Scotland’s resources and skills, the transition to a more prosperous, low carbon and circular economy also presents a valuable economic opportunity.

“We are determined to attract, retain and develop the low carbon innovators who will shape our future.

“That is why, I am delighted to confirm that we are now accepting applications from innovative local energy projects to the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.”

Transport minister Humza Yousaf added: “The Scottish Government is committed to the introduction of a cleaner, greener transport network and ultra-low emission vehicle infrastructure is central to that.

“I am pleased we are making such a significant sum available to encourage innovative local solutions to some of our most challenging national issues.

“I would encourage any interested business or organisation to apply for support under the scheme, and explore how we can work together to realise the environmental and economic potential of low carbon infrastructure solutions.”

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Sam Gardner, acting director at WWF Scotland, said: “It will be hugely exciting to see what new technology and low carbon solutions will be developed in Scotland thanks to this new fund. Innovation in heating, transport and electricity will help us cut emissions, create new jobs and build new industry. We know there will be challenges in implementing the transition to a low-carbon economy but we should grasp the opportunity to build solutions for the rest of the world to adopt.

“To speed up this change, Scotland’s forthcoming Climate Change Bill must set a net zero greenhouse gas target by 2050. This would help shape a new market and attract global investment.”

The LCITP programme has already offered over £40 million of funding to 16 low carbon demonstrator projects supporting low carbon energy generation and supported the co-development of over 30 proof of concept and development proposals.

The publication of the Energy Strategy clearly set out Scotland’s achievements to date and capacity for innovation.

Projects must be based in Scotland and be able to be fully operational by September 2021.

Funding applications can be found here.