The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced plans to launch Phase 3 of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), following the success of Phases 1 and 2 and strong feedback from stakeholders.

IETF Phase 3 will provide grant funding of up to £185 million to United Kingdom businesses for energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation studies and deployment projects.

To support the horticulture sector and provide financial support to the Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH), access to the Phase 3 of the Industrial Energy Transformation (IETF) Fund has been opened, launching in January 2024.

CEH uses various degrees of technology and protection to grow all manner of crops. Glasshouses and vertical farming use technology to control temperature, light, carbon dioxide levels and other factors essential for crop growth in order to optimise productivity.

The NFU are calling for urgent clarification on the eligibility for horticulture businesses and the process by which they can register for the IETF to help mitigate against high energy costs and provide confidence to grow and invest in future production.