| Abstract |
Energy consultancy Baringa Partners were appointed to design and develop a software modelling tool to be used in the planning of cost-effective local energy systems. This software is called EnergyPath and will evolve to include a number of additional packages to inform planning, consumer insights and business metrics. Element Energy, Hitachi and University College London have worked with Baringa to develop the software with input from a range of local authorities, Western Power Distribution and Ramboll. EnergyPath will complement ETI’s national strategic energy system tool ESME which links heat, power, transport and the infrastructure that connects them. EnergyPath is a registered trade mark of the Energy Technologies Institute LLP.
This Guide provides advice and recommendations to Local Government and other local organisations on undertaking a new objective, evidence based and data driven whole systems approach to local area energy planning. In response to this local challenge and to support more effective local area energy planning,the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) Smart Systems and Heat Programme has developed and piloted a local area energy planning analysis framework - EnergyPath Networks. This has involved a new, ‘whole system’ approach to planning and design of local energy systems and has been piloted with three UK local authorities.
The pilot has identified decarbonisation pathways and network choices based on the geography, buildings, energy infrastructure, energy demand, resources, urban growth plans and decarbonisation ambitions for each local area. The Guide provides the following:- a description of the policy imperative which supports local area energy planning;
- an assessment of how this fits inwith energy planning already being undertaken by various local authorities and energy network operators across the UK;
- an explanation of the steps to be taken in adopting a whole system approach to local area energy planning outlining how local areas can follow an approach which reflects local circumstances to achieve decarbonisation goals, clean growth and other local drivers such as energy security and affordability, reflecting government advice.
A list of additional resources supporting local area energy planning is provided at the end of this guide. |
