This project is a feasibility study to explore how renewable energy technologies can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality on the **Wightlink FastCat** ferry service, which operates between Portsmouth and Ryde on the Isle of Wight. The **FastCat** service is a high-frequency passenger-only ferry route, currently powered by diesel engines that remain running even while the vessels are docked in port, supplying essential onboard services. This project will investigate how to eliminate the need for diesel engine use while stationary by assessing the feasibility of shore power and renewable energy systems at both terminals. The project will produce a detailed technical and economic assessment, considering energy demands, infrastructure readiness, regulatory and safety requirements, and environmental impact. Outputs will include technology options, emissions savings, cost estimates, and an implementation roadmap to inform any future demonstrator projects. By focusing on port-side emissions , the project aims to create a replicable model for other short-sea ferry routes in the UK. Benefits include decarbonisation of a vital public transport service, improved air quality in coastal communities, noise reduction, and reduced operational fuel costs. This work supports the UK's Clean Maritime Plan and Net Zero Strategy by preparing a practical, evidence-based blueprint to zero-emission ferry operations and informing future clean maritime infrastructure demonstrators and investment.

This project will explore how ports can provide clean, reliable power to the next generation of hybrid and electric vessels. With demand growing rapidly for Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) to support offshore wind farms, there is an urgent need for smart charging solutions that reduce emissions while ships are docked. Led by a consortium including Ameresco, GeoPura, Cranfield University, Port of Tyne, and M3MAS, the study will assess how to combine green technologies---such as grid power, batteries, hydrogen, and methanol---into flexible, modular charging systems. These systems could help ports meet the UK's ambitious maritime emissions targets and support the transition to net-zero by 2050\. The team will use digital twins and AI to model energy use, optimise vessel charging schedules, and design efficient supply chains for alternative fuels. The goal is to make it easier and more cost-effective for ports to invest in low-carbon infrastructure. The findings will inform a full-scale demonstration at Port of Tyne and provide a roadmap for other ports across the UK. If successful, the solution could cut ship-side emissions at berth by up to 100%, helping to clean up the air around ports and position the UK as a global leader in green maritime innovation.

The West of England Industrial Cluster (WC) Industrial Decarbonisation Plan (WCIDP) will create a comprehensive strategy to decarbonise industry in the West of England. The cluster centres on a hub of major industrial activity around Portbury, Avonmouth, Severnside, and the Port of Bristol. The 'spokes' of the hub span dispersed industrial emitters across neighbouring areas including Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset and together represent diverse industries including cement, chemicals, manufacturing, food production, waste, recycling and power. The project encompasses 7CO2's carbon capture and shipping hub which will be the first dispersed CCS hub in the UK, and Bristol City Leap which supports Bristol's decarbonisation through a 20 year concession by Ameresco and heat network partner Vattenfall. This is a world-first project with over £400 million committed in the first five years and stimulating over £1billion inward investment over the concession demonstrating the area's ambition to address climate change and decarbonise at scale. Major projects are being developed by groups across the region, including renewables, energy storage, hydrogen, biofuels and CCUS, with the potential to spearhead emerging national industries in the field of decarbonisation. The region's exceptional access to biogenic emissions at scale from several energy from waste plants will be harnessed by the carbon-neutral production of sustainable aviation fuel and e-methanol. Critically, LIDP funding will allow WCIDP to: \*Create a coherent, overarching decarbonisation strategy with a clear baseline and targets \*Identify and connect existing projects and initiatives, sharing decarbonisation infrastructure and accelerating opportunities for new developments \*Unite public and private sector stakeholders ensuring the social, economic and environmental benefits of decarbonisation are fully realised Established industry/stakeholder groups including SevernNet, Hydrogen South West and the Western Gateway are already engaged with Local Authorities, emitters, technology providers, network operators and Government on potential industrial decarbonisation projects. Strong existing public-private collaboration, enhanced through LIDP funding will enable the region to identify solutions, establish business models, source funding and achieve decarbonisation disproportionately quickly. With leading local universities and a vibrant workforce, our cluster has the potential to be a national centre of skills and excellence for new technologies; a concentration of knowledge and expertise to support development of scalable cutting-edge industries. As a new team working across a large dispersed area, the cluster will embed diversity, climate resilience, circularity and nature positive considerations from day one, becoming a beacon of learning across the country.