Supporting councils to decarbonise their fleet
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting Local Authorities across the Midlands in delivering their Net Zero ambitions, the Midlands Net Zero Hub (MNZH) is launching the second round of its electrification of depot programme due to its overwhelming success in the first round held in December 2023. This funding is intended to enable councils to procure consultancy services to develop detailed depot designs moving on from a desk-based fleet review.
This stage is focused on translating the findings from a previously conducted fleet review into actionable plans, including the integration of renewable energy infrastructure. The aim is to support Local Authorities in progressing from strategic feasibility to investable, design-ready projects that will enable the transition to fully electric fleets and supporting infrastructure at the council’s depots.
Local Authorities will be responsible for procuring their own consultants, with support and guidance provided by the Hub throughout the process. The resulting designs will ensure that depot upgrades are futureproofed, cost-effective, and aligned with long-term fleet electrification strategies.
About the competition- Applications open until October 17th 2025
To further develop the knowledge base available to local authorities as they embark on electric-depot projects, the Hub is running a competition to provide funding for feasibility studies for a range of depot archetypes to develop costed case studies.
Local authorities can bid for funding up to £25,000 to help cover the cost of developing an investable business case specific to their depots, please note this is revenue funding only. Minimum match funding of 35% of the total value of the project will be required from the successful bidders in order to attract applications for projects that are most likely to be delivered.
The programme aims to fund a number of studies, which will as a minimum, cover each of the three main archetypes identified in The Guide to the Electrification of Council Depots.
The scope and specification of the studies will be defined by applicants, to enable the studies to be tailored to the specific requirements of the authority. The scope may range from techno-economic feasibility study to a full business case but will as a minimum:
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Assess the feasibility of upgrading an existing depot site.
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Detailed electrical and civil infrastructure designs (e.g. RIBA Stage 3), including drawings and specifications.
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Integration of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar PV and battery storage, where appropriate.
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Robust costings and financial modelling to support investment decisions.
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Clear project timelines and delivery milestones.
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Risk assessments covering technical, financial, and operational aspects of depot development.
Please note the following eligibility requirements for the funding. Applications that do not satisfy these will not be considered:
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A Fleet Review has been completed, including the subject site and has been attached to the application.
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Provided a signed letter of corporate approval for the project to proceed.
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The council can mobilise by 30/11/2025 and complete the study by 01/12/2026.
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The council is willing to share findings and lessons learned with other councils and the Midlands Net Zero Hub as long as it does breach any security
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The council can match fund a minimum of 35% of the overall value of the project.
Sign up for the webinar on 9th September 2-3pm here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bd1ca4dd-5f9a-41dd-b08e-b4cb9b20aea8@aa3611bd-13ac-47ac-8207-00fb9ea44ede