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Introduction
According to the 2026 Power Paradox Survey of 500 Business Leaders by Centrica Business Solutions, 81% of those questioned stated that they were looking to accelerate innovation activities at their organisation in order to carry out energy transformation due to rising costs, energy uncertainty and regulatory requirements. This figure was up from 58% in 2025.
Around 42% of businesses believe that within 3 years, the majority of energy efficiency decisions in their operations will be made by AI with minimal human intervention.
The Top Priorities For Businesses In Terms Of Energy Transformation Is As Follows
- Improving cost predictability and investment confidence – 64%
- Improving access to high-quality real-time energy data – 64%
- Establishing clear energy governance and accountability for energy decisions – 63%
- Improving IT alignment (e.g. cybersecurity, data infrastructure, system interoperability) – 63%
- Meeting Regulatory and compliance requirements – 62%
- Upskilling staff in energy, AI and digital tools – 61%
- Strengthening resilience against market and supply disruptions – 61%
- Experimenting with new technologies and business models – 59%
There are a number of Government backed fully funded energy audits available for businesses in the UK to help advise them on the best course of action to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy usage and lower their carbon footprint. Recommended energy efficiency improvements from these audits can then be partially or fully funded by grants and loans. Funding and energy audits are typically administered to businesses by providers in their local areas, such as councils, business enterprise support organisations and industry specialists. Eligible costs for grants and loans can include the purchase of green capital equipment, renewable energy options, access to clean transportation and energy efficient building materials and infrastructure.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Grants Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund
Energy Saving Trust and Transport Scotland is running a scheme for businesses or charge point operators in rural and island locations to access funding to install public charging infrastructure. Funding is available under two streams: Standalone AC and/or DC charge points only and AC and/or DC charge points integrated with energy storage alone, or energy storage and solar PV. Funding up to £300,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Farming in Protected Landscapes Grant
North Wessex Downs National Landscape is providing grants for farmers and land managers in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and the Broads to help them support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and support sustainable farm businesses. Eligible regions are Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Eligible costs includes funding towards equipment that can be used for carbon reduction and sustainability activities in farming and forestry. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2029
iii) Growing Places Fund
Hull And East Yorkshire Business Growth Skills Hub is providing grants and loans to support businesses to invest in infrastructure, technology, and other capital projects that will stimulate growth and create jobs. Eligible costs include equipment for installation of renewable/energy efficient technologies. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Business Emissions Saving Scheme 2026
Isle of Man Department For Enterprise is providing a grant towards the cost of an energy audit up to a maximum of £5,000 as well as an interest free loan towards energy efficiency or emissions reducing projects. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Cardiff Growth Fund
Cardiff Council has a fund that aims to kick-start and grow the economy with a focus on creating a fairer, greener and prosperous future for Cardiff businesses. The fund will support businesses to relaunch, develop and grow. Eligible costs include equipment to support carbon reduction in operations across the local area. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Commercial Vehicle HDV Grant
Brum Breathes is providing grants towards the cost of upgrading or replacing heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) to be Clean Air Zone compliant. Eligible businesses must be based within the Clean Air Zone, wider Birmingham or West Midlands area, and conduct commercial operations within the Clean Air Zone. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Net Zero Grant
Renfrewshire Council is providing funding available to help businesses to make changes to their business premises and operations to reduce their carbon footprint. The average SME could reduce energy bills by 18-25% and reduce their overall carbon footprint by installing energy efficiency measures. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Low Carbon Hub Green Fund
Energy Solutions Oxfordshire and West Oxfordshire District Council is providing funding to SMEs to support the implementation of energy saving recommendations in one of the Low Carbon Hub’s ESOx building energy assessment reports. Eligible funding includes the addition of renewable energy equipment to be installed at a business premises. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 9th September 2026
How To Apply For Business Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested individuals and businesses can speak to advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.