Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Paragraph: 111
Local authorities are well placed to support the decarbonisation of energy generation and supply through...
Conclusion
Local authorities are well placed to support the decarbonisation of energy generation and supply through the delivery of smart local energy systems, owing to their role as planning authority and knowledge of their local areas. It is also clear that many councils are taking advantage of their position to deliver exciting and innovative energy systems. We welcome the fact that much of this innovation is being part funded by central government, but we are concerned that some councils might lack the expertise and resources needed both to take advantage of this funding and to identify opportunities for low-carbon energy systems in their area. We are pleased, however, that the Government has recognised this lack of capacity in its Heat and Local government and the path to net zero 57 Buildings Strategy and promised to better support local authorities. We are also pleased it has now launched a consultation on proposals for heat network zoning and that this will consider the role of local authorities in their delivery.
Paragraph Reference:
111
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We recognise that local authorities have a key role to play in delivering smart local energy systems by combining energy into their wider statutory work on housing, transport, waste and planning, making delivery more cost-effective and preparing for a net zero future. The government committed over £100 million of funding through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to drive the development of smart local energy systems through the Prospering from the Energy Revolution programme. The programme is demonstrating how a range of local actors including businesses, communities, local authorities and academics can accelerate decarbonisation through innovative business models that engage people and unlock system flexibility at the edges of the energy system. Learnings and evidence from these real-world demonstrator projects will help to design policies and regulation that can unlock system flexibility and decarbonisation at pace and at scale. The government will work with industry to closely monitor learnings from the programme through to its end in March 2023 and work with key organizations to ease barriers to the delivery of smart, local energy solutions. As part of the programme, UK Research and Innovation is also funding the Energy Systems Catapult to develop tools to help provide local capability in delivering smart energy projects. As outlined above, the government also provides funding to support local authorities with their capacity and capability to deliver programmes that support decarbonisation through the Local Net Zero Programme. This includes providing guidance and technical assistance to support local authorities to access funding opportunities.