A MAJOR green energy initiative for the region has been given the go ahead by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) today (05/06/26).
The Local Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) programme will see North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council collaborating with the Combined Authority to attract investment in low carbon energy projects – and is backed by £2.8 million in government funding.
Combined Authority leaders today approved moving from the existing outline pilot case to developing a full business case for the LNZA programme - expected to be completed in the autumn.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “We have the landscape, the expertise, and the ambition to outpace the rest of the country and become England’s first carbon-negative region by 2040.
“Through our new Local Net Zero Accelerator, we’re using this £2.8 million in government funding to unite public and private partners, break down barriers, and fast-track our move towards our goal.
“By working as one team, we will build a stronger, more self-reliant county where our communities and businesses can truly see and feel the benefits of energy resilience and lower bills.”
Investment into the region, through the LNZA initiative, will prioritise the development of projects such as wind, retrofitting buildings, rooftop solar, and sourcing ground heat through North Yorkshire’s geology.
Support of the methods is intended to stimulate employment, boost the region’s green energy sector and alleviate fuel poverty.
The Combined Authority’s commitment to a carbon negative region by 2040 has attracted millions in Government funding. Earlier this year its Carbon Negative Challenge Fund revealed a number of projects set to receive a share of £6.5 million – to develop low carbon energy initiatives.
Meanwhile the authority’s public consultation on its Strategy for a Sustainable Future will end on Wednesday. The public is invited to get its voice heard on the strategy before 11.59pm on Wednesday, June 10th. https://bit.ly/4smGEoS
