TIME is running out to take advantage of funding and support available for projects which help the tackle the climate emergency.

The Energy Accelerator is the first programme of its kind in the UK and is designed to help low carbon and energy efficient projects become a reality where they might otherwise not have been completed due to a lack of capacity, expertise or funding.

The funding is available from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is one of many projects in their drive to create a net zero carbon Leeds City Region by 2038 at the latest.

The Energy Accelerator supports projects in three key areas: street lighting, district heat networks, and energy efficiency or renewable energy. To qualify, projects must meet a certain set of criteria and be completed by July 2021.

To date, the Energy Accelerator is providing technical support and funding to at least 14 low carbon and energy efficient projects across the region including a district heat networks in Bradford.

Support for £14.4 million low-carbon heating plan in Bradford city centre

Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP, said: “The Energy Accelerator is a fantastic project and is one of many we have which support the Leeds City Region’s ambitious to be a net zero carbon by 2038 at the latest.

"The programme is already supporting a really exciting range of projects which, collectively, will help to reduce the carbon footprint of our region.

“But time is running out so we’re urging organisations to contact us to see how we can help bring their ideas to fruition.”

The Energy Accelerator is funded through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion-plus package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region – and the European Local Energy Assistance, a joint initiative by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission.

It is co-funded by the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union.

The Energy Accelerator aims to lever in over £120 million of capital investment and save over 25,000 tonnes of carbon annually. It will also help to create new jobs, allow access to low cost energy as well as attracting future inward investment.

The Energy Accelerator is delivered in partnership with Turner & Townsend, Sweco and The Carbon Trust.

For more information on the funding visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk.