As recognised in the South East Midlands Local Industrial Strategy, local infrastructure is critical to both quality of life and the unlocking of future growth. If the area is to successfully transition to net zero, while also continuing to grow, action needs to be taken to plan for, and put in place, the requisite energy and transport infrastructure. Local partners, including SEMLEP, local authorities, energy providers and the Greater South East Energy Hub, are thus working together to identify sustainable trajectories for future growth, promote best practice, support sustainable modes of transport, build green networks, support businesses to become more energy-efficient and implement schemes such as the Public Sector Building Decarbonisation Fund and the Green Homes Grant.
Digital infrastructure is critical to the realisation of a greener future, and also to economic growth and inclusion, as highlighted by the pandemic. SEMLEP and its partners will work together to identify gaps in digital infrastructure and means of addressing them, with a view to establishing full-fibre connectivity across the South East Midlands, including in rural areas. Supporting the development of holistic plans for water infrastructure is also key, to avoid both water scarcity and flooding, and to allow for sustainable development over the longer term.

Survive
- Monitor and disseminate mobility data, and other infrastructure related intelligence, during the pandemic
- Support delivery of existing Local Growth Fund infrastructure projects
|
Stabilise
- Bring together energy stakeholders in the area to discuss their role and requirements to support the necessary energy provision and zero-carbon transition outlined in SEMLEP’s Energy Strategy, including supporting local authorities to engage with local energy providers on the latter's business plans
- Support SMEs to engage in energy-related innovation and to adopt energy-efficient practices, through the dissemination of information and funding opportunities, and increased networking with relevant partners
- Identify, support, disseminate best practice from, and promote energy ‘beacon projects’ in line with SEMLEP’s Energy Strategy
- Work with the Energy Hub and local authority colleagues to support the delivery of various energy efficiency programmes, including the Public Sector Building Decarbonisation fund, Social Housing Decarbonisation innovation demonstrator, and the Green Homes Grant
- Identify digital cold spots and bring together partners to identify possible ways to address them
- Support travel to work infrastructure, including micro-mobility solutions
|
Grow
- Promote sustainability and a transition to net zero through SEMLEP's direct delivery and through working with partners and promoting best practice
- Work with local authorities and other local partners to support the development of sustainable strategic transport links, greater first-mile last-mile connectivity, and increased low emissions vehicle infrastructure within the SEMLEP area
- Work with local authorities and other local partners to support full-fibre connectivity and 5G in the SEMLEP area
- Work with organisations involved in managing flood risk and water scarcity to develop plans for water infrastructure
|