Bradford secures backing for innovative energy project to support manufacturing decarbonisation

A pioneering Bradford-led project designed to help manufacturers and major heat users transition to low-carbon energy has secured funding through the latest round of the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

The Bradford Flexible Industrial Infrastructure Transition (BFIIT) project has been awarded £198,237 through the discovery phase of the fund. The project will develop a consumer-centric, multi-vector energy planning solution that aims to reduce network costs, improve flexibility and enable fair and scalable decarbonisation across dispersed urban clusters of manufacturers and public-sector heat users.

Led by Northern Powergrid (Northeast), the project brings together a strong partnership including Northern Gas Networks, Centre for Energy Equality, Bradford Council, Bradford Manufacturing Futures, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and 1Energy.

The project will generate scalable evidence and practical systems, to reduce uncertainty, deliver clean growth, local and environmental benefits to consumers, contributing to flexible, fair access, and collaborative net-zero attainment across community sectors such as hospitals, industry, commercial services.

Beyond its local impact, the Bradford Flexible Industrial Infrastructure Transition (BFIIT) project will act as a trailblazer for place-based industrial decarbonisation across the UK. The project will help develop and test new methodologies for collaborative energy planning, creating lessons and best practice that can be applied by other towns and cities seeking to accelerate their own net zero transitions. By bringing together energy networks, manufacturers, local government and regional partners, Bradford will help demonstrate how coordinated, place-based approaches can reduce costs, improve flexibility and support economic growth while decarbonising industry.

The announcement comes as business leaders, manufacturers and investors gather today at Scale Up Bradford 2026, the district’s flagship business growth conference being held at Bradford Live. The event showcases the opportunities shaping Bradford’s economic future, including advanced manufacturing, innovation, clean growth and investment

Councillor Judson, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said:

“This funding is a significant vote of confidence in Bradford’s ambition to lead the way in industrial decarbonisation. Manufacturing remains one of our most important sectors and projects like BFIIT will help us better understand how we can support businesses to reduce costs of energy while remaining competitive and continuing to grow.”

“By bringing together energy network operators, manufacturers, local government and regional partners, we can develop practical solutions that support investment, jobs and a more resilient energy future for Bradford.”

David Calder, Chair of Bradford Manufacturing Futures, said:

“Manufacturers across Bradford recognise that decarbonisation is essential, but they also need solutions that are practical, affordable and tailored to the realities of industrial operations. BFIIT will help ensure the voice of manufacturers is at the heart of future energy planning.”

“This project is an important opportunity to understand how different energy systems can work together to support industrial clusters, reduce costs and create a pathway to net zero that works for businesses of all sizes.”

Bradford Manufacturing Futures (BMF) was established to support the district’s manufacturing sector through collective action on decarbonisation, innovation and sustainable growth. The organisation works with businesses, local authorities, energy providers and regional partners to ensure manufacturers are equipped to respond to future energy and environmental challenges.

Bradford Manufacturing Futures welcomes new members, from SMEs to large businesses. To find out more or get in touch, visit www.bradfordcluster.co.uk