Net zero transitions
Updates from the wider world of net zero
Innovate UK Connections
DESNZ LOCAL NET ZERO ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME
Overview of the DESNZ Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme
15:00 – 16:30 / 26 September 2024 / Online
Join this session to learn about the Local Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) programme, which is running alongside Net Zero Living.
LNZA is supporting three Combined Authority Pilots in developing ambitious decarbonisation programmes and exploring ways to partner with the private sector and leverage commercial investment in pursuit of net zero. The programme is also piloting a Finance Support Service, which could later be rolled out for all local authorities.
This session will explain the resources that will become available from LNZA over the next 18 months, including a new Dynamic Purchasing System for advisory services to enable net zero investment, and how we are working with the Future Ready team to maximise knowledge exchange between programmes.
NET ZERO HEAT
Net Zero Heat Open Day
09:00 – 12:30 / 3 October 2024 / Online
The Net Zero Heat team at Innovate UK are supporting UK businesses to enable the decarbonisation of heat in all buildings. Two years into the programme, they are showcasing all their projects at an online event on Thursday 3rd October. Join in to hear from all projects teams, with an opportunity to meet them.
Find out:
- How can Net Zero Heat projects help with your planning and decision-making for energy decarbonisation?
- What are the solutions that will create certainty and optimise outcomes in retrofitting?
- What are the developments that will help tackle the greatest challenges in retrofit, including the private rental sector and older public buildings?
News
Heat
MPs, peers and businesses call for government ministers to extend tax relief for low-carbon building heating technologies and small heat batteries, to help accelerate home decarbonisation and support more households in the endeavour for affordable heating solutions.
Energy
The new GB Energy Headquarters are set to be based in Scotland, with a confirmed location announcement expected at the Labour party conference in Liverpool at the end of September.
Agriculture and food
Business engagement
The SME Climate Hub has launched the SME Climate Ambition Drive, an initiative building up to COP29 that aims to support and inspire SMEs to join the Race to Zero initiative and commit to the Hub’s pledge to halve emissions by 2030, and achieve net-zero by 2050.
Innovation
Funding
New travel support opportunities for UK businesses to attend net zero European events!
Up to £700 of travel support is available from Innovate UK for UK businesses to attend Smart City Expo World Congress on the 5 - 7 November 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. This support will allow you to discuss collaborating on innovative Horizon Europe projects, learn about upcoming European R&D funding opportunities and form impactful global business partnerships. Spread the word to your Net Zero Living Project Partners if you think they would benefit from this funding.
Closing date: 23rd September
Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
Ofgem has approved £84 million funding for a dozen beta projects, awarded through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. It aims to find and fund ambitious, innovative projects which could shape the future of the gas and electricity networks and potentially be commercially successful.
Ashden & GFI Innovative Finance Project
Ashden has partnered with the Green Finance Institute (GFI) to support schools to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Read more here about the need for private investment and the partnership’s initial recommendations.
Reports
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) have published a list of recommendations for the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group towards a nature-positive economy and a just transition. Read the report here.