EnergyPath - Policy Drivers, Enablers and Barriers

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 report has identified a range of policy barriers: in particular with regard to how national planning policy and guidance is expressed.As a result, it is clear that accelerating deployment of local area energy planning activity faces a number of challenges.Based upon the feedback from consultations with a number of Local Authorities, some support the principle of LAEP however, the ability to implement is further constrained by a lack of financial and staffing resources locally. There are examples where LAEP activity has been undertaken and outputs included within Development Plans but funding constraints or lack of local political support has restricted implementation and priorities.

Publication Year:

2018

Publisher:

ETI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000867

Author(s):

Bell, D., Hopkins, M. and Winter, S.