Local Net Zero Hubs get £6.8m to support GB Energy

Why it matters: The initiative aims to develop local clean power projects that align with the government's Clean Power 2030 ambition, with direct benefits for Suffolk organisations, including East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Norfolk And Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

The details: A new Memorandum of Understanding will task the Hubs with assisting GB Energy, the new publicly owned energy company, to identify and develop clean energy projects.

The Local Net Zero Hubs will continue to focus on:

• Attracting commercial investment into low-carbon projects
• Increasing the number, quality, and scale of local net zero projects
• Supporting a national knowledge transfer programme

What they're saying: Maxine Narburgh, Regional Director of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, said: "The work of the Local Net Zero Hubs complements the mission of GB Energy, providing opportunities to deliver a local place-based pipeline of clean energy projects.

"The additional funding from the government and alignment with GB Energy is a real vote of confidence in the essential work carried out by the Local Net Zero Hubs."

By the numbers: The announcement is part of a wider clean energy package that includes:

• £5 million for a new Great British Energy Community Fund (previously the Community Energy Fund)
• £10 million for a Mayoral Renewables Fund
• Funding for rooftop solar installations in 200 schools and 200 hospitals

The bottom line: Public sector organisations and community groups in Suffolk needing support with net zero projects can contact the Greater South East Net Zero Hub at info@gsenetzerohub.org.uk, with details about the next funding round to be published soon.