Net zero plans in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area have been boosted with new investment.

Funding of up to £300,000 has been awarded by Innovate UK KTN to support the delivery of net zero initiatives in the borough over a two-year period.

This will enable the appointment of an additional dedicated Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Manager, as well as the delivery of a full programme of activity to support businesses and expedite the Council's journey towards Net Zero. Funding will also be used to build on recent and ongoing investment in the CleanTech sector.

The funding has been awarded as part of the prestigious £6 million Fast Followers competitive process, which falls under the umbrella of the Innovate UK Net Zero Living programme, designed to help places and businesses across the UK to accelerate the delivery of the transition to Net Zero.

The Mid and East Antrim Net Zero Business (MEANZ Business) project is one of three successful projects in Northern Ireland, with 21 awards in total across the UK.

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Valerie Watts, Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said: "This funding will be instrumental in propelling our Net Zero delivery plans forward, optimising our delivery pathways and fostering widespread adoption of innovative products and services.

"Already, Council has invested in a dedicated sustainability team to fulfil our core service functions and address areas where climate change is emerging as a critical concern.

"Council has already taken bold steps towards a greener future, exemplified by initiatives like the collaborative public-private sector Hydrogen Training Academy, the £15m HyTech NI project in conjunction with Queens University, the CleanTech Collaborative Growth Network funded by Invest NI and the forthcoming £24 million i4C Innovation and Cleantech Centre at the former St Patricks Barracks site."

Ursula O'Loughlin, Head of Economic Development at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council commented: "These endeavours will enable our current and future workforce to acquire the skills necessary to meet the growing demand for sustainability across various industries and sectors.

"That's why the provision of funding for a dedicated resource is truly transformative. It will expedite our delivery plans and help us eliminate some of the barriers we have faced in making the transition towards a net zero future.

"Council remains steadfast in its commitment to leading the charge in combating climate change. With the generous support of the UK Government, Mid and East Antrim is well-positioned to drive positive change and inspire other communities to follow suit in the pursuit of a sustainable and environmentally responsible future."