Drawing on evidence from pilots in Newcastle, Bridgend and Bury, the study concludes that local energy planning conducted on a whole-system basis could limit the impact of decarbonising heat on total system costs to an additional 15% by 2050. Accordingly, the Energy Systems Catapult has designed a planning framework to assist local authorities, energy networks and other stakeholders. “To meet the government’s national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, we will need a radical transformation of our local energy systems,” Energy Systems Catapult’s innovation business leader Richard Halsey said. “However, every local area is different. The state of homes and buildings, energy resources and networks, and levels of ambition are unique to each area. A single solution imposed across the country is likely to cost more and produce less desirable outcomes for people and businesses.” Andrew Haslett, chief engineer at the Energy Technologies Institute, added: “One of the toughest challenges for UK climate and energy policy is the decarbonisation of heat. This will require a major overhaul of the energy system, extending into people’s homes, including the fabric and domestic heating systems of buildings.
Edie 6th Dec 2018 read more »