A RANGE of projects are to be delivered with a clear focus on innovation, productivity and inequality as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal – and the National Energy Research Demonstrator Project (NERD) in Cumnock is one project which is already underway.

The NERD project will receive £17 million of funding from the UK Government and £7.5 million from East Ayrshire Council through the Ayrshire Growth Deal to develop leading technologies for energy generation and storage.

The project aims to transform energy production, distribution and connections within the Cumnock area and be an exemplar to Scotland and the UK in making the transition to a low carbon society.

It also aims to attract new business and economic activity to the area and contribute to Scotland becoming a net zero society by 2045.

NERD promises to transform the Cumnock and Doon Valley area, ensuring that communities can transition to a low carbon society and introducing energy as a service to East Ayrshire by 2030.

A purpose built Centre of Excellence will also allow researchers and businesses to work together to find renewable solutions.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “I’m delighted the Ayrshire Growth Deal will be characterised by not only its positive economic impact, but also the sustainable aspirations we have for our communities.”