Wednesday, October 9, 2024
EnergyLatestNews

New toolkit for council clean energy plans

A​​​​​​​ new toolkit​​​ from distribution system operator UK Power Networks and local climate network UK100 aims to equip local authorities with the knowledge and resources for clean energy ambitions.

​​​Called Navigating the Net Zero Energy Transition: A toolkit for local authorities, it has been d​​​​​​esigned specifically for elected ​​​leaders​​​​​​​, cabinet members, and officers.​​ 

​​​Local authorities across the UK are already witnessing changes, from a rise in local renewable energy projects to increasing demand for electric vehicle chargepoints and other green energy infrastructure. ​​

Now councils can collaborate and share insights with peers who are facing similar challenges and working towards similar goals.

The energy toolkit enhances this collaboration by providing a​​​ ​​​framework for local authorities to implement innovative solutions, making local clean energy projects more achievable and impactful.​​​​​​ 

​​​​Lynne McDonald, head of Local Net Zero at UK ​​Power Networks’ DSO said​​:​​​ 

​​​“This new toolkit provides practical information on specifically how UK Power Networks works with local authorities, and it supports local leaders to make informed decisions.    

“Throughout the toolkit local authorities will find use case studies with examples of projects undertaken by other local authorities and partners on the same journey. It also includes a wider look at how the electricity system is changing, who the key stakeholders are, and what support is available from them for the delivery of local Net Zero. Importantly, there’s practical advice on the opportunities available to finance this work and how a decarbonised energy system can reduce costs.”

​Christopher Hammond, chief executive of UK100 said:

“Local authorities and the communities they serve will be at the heart of the next stage of the transition to a Net Zero energy system.

“Working in partnership with UK Power Networks’ DSO, we are equipping them with the tools and ideas to shape their response to this change.​​ ​​​​​Developing a comprehensive Local Area Energy Plan is a foundational step. It will enable them to play a bigger role in supporting the local rollout of everything from EV charging to Community Energy. But too many don’t know where to start. We hope to help councils unlock their clean energy ambitions with this toolkit.” ​​ 

Image of toolkit courtesy of UK100

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