A new initiative that aims to create a support network for the clean energy business and entrepreneur community is being launched in the US.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $3.2 million (£1.9m) for the National Incubator Initiative for Clean Energy (NIICE), which will provide assistance and training services in order to bring early-stage firms’ technologies closer to market.

It also aims to promote best practice, set a high performance standard and connect critical industry and energy sector partners.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “Small businesses and entrepreneurs make crucial contributions to our nation’s economy every day. With the right tools, these businesses and entrepreneurs can make an even bigger contribution to the development of advanced clean energy technologies.”

He added the initiative would help drive innovation and bring the US “closer to its low carbon future”.