The Net Zero Industry Launchpad is using the Innovate UK Business Connect Innovation Exchange (iX) platform to offer an exciting new pilot competition using the iX platform to support challenges that benefit or impact on Southwest Wales.

The aim of this competition is to support outstanding innovation projects that will impact on Southwest Wales. The pilot – South West Wales Launchpad Net Zero iX Challenges, aims to foster collaborative partnerships between a challenge holder & solution provider to deliver a project that that will accelerate the adoption of industrial circular economy, net zero or decarbonisation innovations within and across sectors for the Net Zero Industry launchpad in Southwest Wales.

CWM Environmental is a Teckal organisation wholly owned by Carmarthenshire County Council, delivering local authority service requirements alongside commercial operations through CWM Skips, Merlin’s Magic Compost, Canolfan Eto Reuse Village, and wider recycling and waste infrastructure.

• Residential MRF producing refuse-drived fuel (RDF) to energy-from-waste (EfW).
• A Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) due to open in Spring 2026, processing up to 80,000 tonnes of co‑mingled and kerbside‑sort dry mixed recycling, including advanced film recovery.
• Four Household Waste Recycling Centre’s (HWRCs) and a Commercial Recycling Centre (CRC).
• A capped landfill at Nantycaws, which ceased operations in 2017, forming part of the wider site footprint.

Local grid power import/export restrictions are currently a major constraint on the scale and pace of the CWM Gwyrdd programme at Nantycaws, creating a clear need to assess a Smart Local Energy System (SLES) / microgrid approach that prioritises local use of energy rather than reliance on additional export capacity.

Who can apply?

To lead a project as a solution provider your organisation must be a UK registered:

• micro, small or medium sized enterprise (SME)
• academic institution
• research and technology organisation (RTO)
• community interest company (CIC) or charity

The Challenge

CWM Environmental requires a practical, deployment‑oriented feasibility approach that results in a clear recommendation and delivery pathway for a hybrid, islandable (critical loads) on‑site energy system. The feasibility must consider technical, commercial and deliverability aspects, and identify how the solution can be piloted and scaled within live operational conditions.

• Define the microgrid architecture and operating model (normal operation and islanding for critical loads).
• Integrate Phase 1 solar (planning approved), battery storage and hydrogen‑enabled options (where appropriate).
• Specify enabling infrastructure requirements (HV/LV distribution, metering/controls, protection, and interfaces to EV charging).
• Set out an adoption pathway: feasibility → pilot/demo → scaled deployment, including commercial and procurement considerations.
• Define an operating and commercial model that prioritises local use of power (rather than grid export), including options for supply to local organisations and/or the community.

The solution provider will be eligible to apply for £25,000 to develop the proposed solution towards meeting this challenge. The funding will cover a 3 month project, the details of which will need to be refined with the challenge holder.

Solutions must fit within a maximum R&D budget of £25,000, covering delivery of a 3‑month pilot project. Proposals should demonstrate cost-effective pathways to scale.

For full functional and technical requirements, visit the Innovation Exchange site at the link below.

Rewards & Market Opportunity

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to CWM Environmental Ltd. The winning applicant, as selected by the company, will then be eligible to apply for £25k grant funding to kickstart the development of the proposed solution through a 3 month project.

The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:

• Pitch directly to CWM Environment Ltd
• Apply for £25,000 to develop and pilot the solution
• Receive support from Innovate UK Business Connect
• Access technical support and feedback
• Gain visibility across the Innovate UK network
• Build a potential long-term commercial partnership with CWM Environmental Ltd