Local Authority Transport Decarburization Accelerator Programme (UK)

Introducing the Local Authority Transport Decarburization Accelerator programme, which is dedicated to supporting both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local areas to meet the opportunities and challenges of place-based net zero commitments. It is being powered by Connected Places Catapult between September 2024 and March 2025 is being run in collaboration with the following Local Authorities (LAs) and Subnational Transport Body (STB):

• Adur & Worthing Councils
• Cardiff County Council.
• England’s Economic Heartland.

Challenges

• Challenge 1: Adur & Worthing Councils – affordable decarburization of Refuse Collection Vehicles
  • Adur and Worthing Councils’ aim is to be carbon neutral for the emissions they have control over by 2030. Fleet emissions (from their fleet of 150+ vehicles) account for 40% of the total scope 1 and 2 emissions under their control, and the Councils currently own 5 electric vans with delivery of a further 5 vans in the Spring Summer 2024.
• Challenge 2: Cardiff Council – decarburization of taxi fleet 
  • One Planet Cardiff’s Strategy has clear actions that the Council is taking to deliver on their ambition to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2030. However, most of the City’s current fleet of hackney carriages taxis are powered by internal combustion engines and are ageing, and the transition to more sustainable vehicles (specifically EV) is needed to reach the Council’s goals.
• Challenge 3: England’s Economic Heartland understanding the impact of implemented transport related policies
  • Transport-related emissions are a particular challenge for England’s Economic Heartland’s (EEH’s) region. In 2020, transport emissions equated to 44.5% of the Heartland’s total carbon dioxide emissions, compared with 37.5% nationally and transport emissions are increasing at a faster rate than elsewhere in the UK.

What they Offer?

• Trial Support.
• Development of a ‘Go-To Market’ strategy.
• Market analysis and validation.
• Solution showcase.
• Introduction to customers.
• Access to networks and resources.

Requirements

• As part of this programme, the SMEs will be guided through a bespoke programme tailored to their requirements. This may include:
  • Insight of local challenges and how their technology could solve them (gateway to engagement with las).
  • Market analysis and validation.
  • Refinement development of specific use cases.
  • Support to create and refine business models.
  • Commercial strategies and communications adapted to public procurement.
  • Development of ‘Go-To Market’ strategies.
  • Introductions to potential LA and transport authority customers and or investors.

Eligibility Criteria

• Successful applicants to the programme will meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • A micro or small to medium sized enterprise (< 250 employees).
  • A UK-registered office.
  • The solution must be able to address one or more challenge statements.
  • The solution must be at least TRL 7 or above. This equates to a minimum requirement of the solution having completed a technology prototype demonstration in an operational environment and or having qualified the actual technology through successful mission operations.
  • Willing to travel on occasion to face-to-face meetings and events in the UK.

For more information, visit Connected Places Catapult.