Local energy planning
Preparing the ground
We support decision makers, creating the right conditions for investment
Regen SW is offering local authorities its skills and expertise to develop a local energy plan. The concept has been piloted with West Dorset District Council. Regen SW also worked with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to develop a more detailed local energy plan for Bristol City Council.
What is a local energy plan?
A local energy plan provides a spatial understanding of energy consumption and demand reduction opportunities, and renewable energy generation potential. This helps authorities bring together an evidence-based approach to planning for renewable energy with an understanding of how to achieve their contribution to the UK DECC-led targets on renewable energy generation.
The local energy plan process uses, interprets and builds on the regional resource assessment datasets at the local level. Click here to learn more about the resource assessments.
Benefits of a local energy plan
A local energy plan can be used by a local authority in a number of ways:
- As the evidence base to set goals for energy reduction or renewable energy generation.
- Where goals have already been set, to understand how they can be achieved.
- To understand the spatial potential for renewable and low carbon energy generation. This can be used to develop appropriate planning policies eg areas with potential for wind or district heating development.
- To identify potential opportunities for public or private investment in renewable energy or energy efficiency measures
The Local Energy Planning process aims to transfer knowledge and build capacity in the local authority, rather than simply present a list of findings. When working with a local authority, Regen SW looks to work closely with the GIS officer (if there is one) on getting the data set up and integrated with the local authority’s GIS. We then present and discuss the data and findings with local authority officers.
To find out more about the process download the pdf below or contact Hazel Williams.
Local energy planning
| Title | File type | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Outline of Regen SW local energy planning process | Download |
SW Planners' Toolkit
The Planners' Toolkit can help to guide you on how to create sustainable energy policy based on a robust evidence base.
Resource assessments
Regen SW coordinated DECC funded resource assessments for renewable energy in the south west.
