Organisations in the Outer Hebrides have the opportunity to apply for funding to support innovative decarbonisation projects, with up to £2.86 million available.

The ICNZ Outer Hebrides Transition Fund, part of the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), is inviting proposals from businesses, academic institutions, and community organisations for capital projects that align with the ICNZ's objectives.

These objectives include supporting the islands' transition to net zero, creating green jobs, generating new revenue streams, and ensuring decarbonisation impacts all aspects of the Islands Deal.

"Applicants may be based within or out with the islands but must ensure that projects are delivered within, and bring impact primarily to, the Outer Hebrides," the ICNZ stated.

Funding will be available from 2026 to 2030, and projects must demonstrate the feasibility of delivery within this timeframe.

Successful proposals will be taken forward to the UK and Scottish Governments for final approval as part of the Islands Growth Deal.

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The fund aims to support transformational projects that create significant and lasting change for the people and communities of the Outer Hebrides.

There will be an online information event about the fund held on the 14th of January, a link to book this event can be found on the ICNZ website.

The Transition Fund will close for submissions on the 21st of March 2025.

ICNZ Outer Hebrides is being delivered in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Community Energy Scotland and UHI North, West and Hebrides. This project forms part of the wider investment in the Islands Centre for Net Zero with an overall total of £16.5 million from UK and Scottish Government funding as part of the Islands Growth Deal. This ten-year investment programme jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland Island Councils and their partners from the public, academic, community and business sectors will seek to drive economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs across all three islands regions.

Matthew Logan, the ICNZ OH Project Manager commented: "We are excited to be launching this opportunity as part of the Islands Centre for Net Zero. There is a lot of potential for impactful capital projects that will support decarbonisation and sustainability across the Outer Hebrides, and we are looking forward to hearing ideas from a wide range of organisations.

"The ongoing development of the Creed hydrogen Skills and Innovation Centre, which has been supported with funds from the ICNZ OH, is a great example of a capital project that will enable decarbonisation through the production of green hydrogen alongside creating training and education pathways. We hope to receive more proposals of this nature, with the scope to bring long term benefits to communities and address both local priorities and major sources of emissions."