The government has announced £2m funding for a pilot project in York and North Yorkshire which will seek to unlock private investment in clean energy and heating projects. 

As one of three newly-announced Local Net Zero Accelerator pilots  the funding will aim to replicate a similar, successful model in Bristol. 

Bristol City Leap is an innovative public-private partnership between Bristol City Council, Ameresco and Vattenfall Heat UK, which has helped secure millions of pounds worth of investment into Bristol’s energy system, including solar, wind, heat networks, heat pumps and energy efficiency measures across the council’s estate. 

The project will build on the work of the York and North Yorkshire Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). LAEPs are data-driven and evidence-based plans which identify the most effective route for local areas to meet their future energy needs and Net Zero targets. 

Oversight of the three Local Net Zero Accelerator pilots will be undertaken by the Greater South East Local Net Zero Hub.