Local Net Zero Accelerator

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The Hub oversees the successful delivery of the £19.32 million Local Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) pilot projects.

It is a pioneering initiative designed to support local authorities in achieving clean energy targets. Building on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) existing work streams, LNZA aims to foster sustainable development and drive significant private investment into green projects.

Greater South East Net Zero Hub – Pipeline construction

Programme overview

Place-Based Pilots: The programme includes three place-based pilots — Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA). These pilots are developing comprehensive portfolios of clean energy projects, testing innovative financing models, and attracting commercial investment to drive local economic growth and sustainability.

Finance Support Service: A dedicated Finance Support Service, delivered by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, provides the pilots with essential financial skills, knowledge, and experience. This service helps local authorities prepare their portfolios, engage with investors, and ensure successful project implementation.

Objectives and benefits

Key objectives

Develop Investible Projects: Create aggregated bundles of local energy projects across multiple sectors, including energy, housing, and transport, to attract significant commercial investment.

Foster Innovation: Test and replicate successful models like the Bristol City Leap to accelerate the transition to local energy in other regions.

Enhance Financial Literacy: Provide local authorities with the tools and support needed to navigate complex financial landscapes and secure sustainable funding.

Benefits

The LNZA programme is bringing transformative benefits to each pilot area. It is enabling the development of sustainable energy solutions, fostering regional collaboration, and driving local economic growth. By leveraging private capital, the programme is reducing the cost to the public purse and stimulating green supply chains, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Greater South East Net Zero Hub – Pipeline internal components

Fit4Finance portal

Created as part of the Hub’s Finance Support Service, the Fit4Finance portal is a practical resource suite designed to:

Support local authorities to move from isolated, grant-funded projects to scalable, investment-ready portfolios
Guide through a structured six-stage journey from strategy to commercialisation (Final Investment Decision – FID) to enable effective delivery, operation and expansion
Access novel diagnostic tools, case studies, training modules, and replicable investment models
Enable unlocking blended finance – combining public, private, and outcome-based funding
Initiate collaborative use across finance, climate, housing, and economic development teams

Visit Fit4Finance

Greater South East Net Zero Hub – Green energy data analysis

Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)