It’s hard to think of a challenge quite as complex as the UK’s journey to Net Zero. To even call it a journey suggests there is a clear route ahead. It’s not just the size of the challenge, it’s the intricate ways in which our systems are connected and interdependent, and the ways our people and societies operate within those systems. To meet Net Zero targets, the pace of innovation and implementation needs to accelerate significantly.

Innovate UK is providing this impetus by investing in a cleaner future through its £60m Net Zero Living Programme – designed to help places and businesses to accelerate the delivery of the transition to Net Zero.

In this first phase of the programme, 31 projects from across the UK, have been awarded a share of £2m through a competitive process, to carry out feasibility studies to understand what approaches to test in their local area. The programme focusses on overcoming ‘non-technical’ or social systemic barriers such as financing, governance, regulation, and engagement. Projects range from examples such as decarbonising transport, housing retrofit, and local energy planning. Following completion of these 31 feasibility studies, the projects will be invited to a potential second phase which will fund up to 6 places, £5m each to demonstrate some of the outputs from Phase 1.

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One example is in rural North Wales, in the small towns of Blaenau Ffestiniog and Bethesda, which face unique challenges related to their geography and demographics in transitioning to low carbon power and transport models. The project will develop a plan, working with local universities and young people to design low carbon solutions including an e-bike and electric vehicle network, and to create new business models for hydro, solar, wind and heat networks. As part of a community heat plan, the project will train local people to develop community heat companies which will be powered by renewables. It will also create a network of ‘green handypersons’ to help households install basic energy efficiency measures.

Another study given the funding go-ahead is the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Project CAMPOS. This project aims to solve one of the biggest problems stopping us from reaching Net Zero: the lack of ways to get funding for local Net Zero solutions. Creating a market for place-based outcomes will increase certainty in the financial model: build confidence for funders, and encourage finance to flow into solutions, accelerating Net Zero delivery.

It will analyse a wide range of Net Zero interventions: from warm, energy efficient homes and low carbon heating, to low carbon mobility, neighbourhood regeneration and enhanced green spaces. It will then demand test these with a group of potential funders, liability holders and communities, making sure that outcomes not only match funder expectations, but continue to meet the needs of local communities.

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Innovate UK’s Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero said:

“Working with our partners in government, we are taking bold steps towards achieving Net Zero and Levelling Up our communities. The funding for these feasibility studies in 31 places across all corners of the UK is a strong indication of our commitment to creating a sustainable, greener and more equitable future for everyone.”

“Many of the solutions needed to reach Net Zero are starting to become available, but making it happen isn’t easy. Local authorities have a key role to play in addressing up to 30% of our carbon emissions, and even more through their influence on planning and policy decisions.”

“It is so exciting to see this work begin because of the huge potential it has to make a real impact for our communities. We’re eager to see the results of the feasibility studies and take the most promising projects to the next stage.”

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. We work to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations.

With an annual budget of over £1billion we provide businesses with the expertise, facilities and funding they need to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth.