Net Zero Pathfinder - Phase 2 Manchester

**Net Zero Pathfinder, Phase 2 Manchester** will build upon the findings of the Phase 1 feasibility study towards the delivery of a local place-based net zero programme to accelerate delivery of the City's net zero targets using an innovative whole-systems approach.

Manchester City Council and Manchester Climate Change Agency recognise the need for significant additional investment in decarbonisation for the City to reach its net zero 2038 goals.

The net zero plan created in the Phase 1 feasibility study for the area around and including a local Town Centre currently has an estimated value of £55m. We will continue with our innovative approach developed during Phase 1 by working directly with local stakeholders including regional infrastructure operators, social housing providers, transport operators and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to further refine and develop this pipeline of net zero projects. Informed by the City's Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), we will continue to develop a blended investment portfolio including funding from existing, local outcome-seeking finance and continue our work, started at Phase 1, to engage with both public and private sector stakeholders to attract additional private financing options to our portfolio.

This will support us in continuing to address a range of non-technical barriers including: using outcome-seeking funds to leverage return-seeking investment; modelling revenue streams across a blended portfolio; valuing benefits for outcome buyers; using financial disclosure to de-risk public funds; growing local supply chains and skills opportunities; creating an enabling policy framework; designing the right governance, legal, and contractual arrangements for delivery; engaging residents, businesses, and local communities effectively; and building capacity for net zero delivery within local government and relevant stakeholders.

Building on the findings of the Phase 1 feasibility study, we will adapt, refine, and test the aggregation of net zero projects (covering power, heat and mobility) from across mixed assets (domestic, commercial, industrial, public) within a local place to attract a blended portfolio of investments that can unlock decarbonisation at scale.