Borderlands Energy Investment Programme Unveils 12 Selected Net Zero Initiatives
Whitehaven Marina. Credit: Borderlands Partnership.
The Borderlands Energy Investment Programme (BEIP) has successfully concluded its Call for Projects, identifying 12 local initiatives aimed at expediting the region’s shift towards net zero emissions. This programme is designed to mitigate carbon emissions, enhance energy resilience, and foster the creation of new green jobs and skills throughout South Scotland and the North of England.
Following a comprehensive evaluation process, these 12 projects have been shortlisted for funding. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the selected initiatives will undergo further refinement, and upon approval, will be implemented during the lifespan of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to promote sustainable growth in the region.
Capitalising on the regions’ significant role within the UK’s energy sector, the programme prioritises projects that improve community assets, public infrastructure, and housing through the application of practical technologies. These include ground source heat pumps, solar carports, and battery systems designed to ensure reliable and cost-effective operations.
Among the selected initiatives are flexible energy storage solutions, hydrogen production facilities, and modular low-carbon systems, specifically designed to address rural challenges such as fuel poverty and grid limitations, thereby providing resilient and affordable energy.
Rick O’Farrell, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Director, stated: “Through the Borderlands Energy Investment Programme, we’re supporting projects that will deliver secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for residents and businesses.”
He added, “The selected projects will help reduce carbon emissions, boost local economies, and build the skills needed for the future. By developing scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural areas, we’re creating lasting benefits for the communities across the region.”
Collectively, these projects will establish the Borderlands as a national frontrunner in the development of net zero solutions that can serve as replicable models. The BEIP will also play a vital role in fostering a more diverse and resilient regional economy, complementing other initiatives that promote business, innovation, and skills development.
Further details regarding the projects can be accessed on the Borderlands website: borderlandsgrowth.com/energy-investment-programme.
