WP2 Manchester Local Area Energy Strategy: Local Area Energy Strategy - Bury Evidence Base Report

Abstract:

The Spatial Energy Plan for Greater Manchester Combined Authority project was commissioned as part of the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) Smart Systems and Heat Programme and undertaken through collaboration between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Energy Systems Catapult. The study has consolidated the significant data and existing evidence relating to the local energy system to provide a platform for future energy planning in the region and the development of suitable policies within the emerging spatial planning framework for Greater Manchester.

This document sets out the evidence base in support of a local energy strategy for Bury.

Key conclusions

• By 2050 Bury can reduce its building emissions by 98% from 1990 levels. A 95% reduction could be achieved by 2040.
• These carbon savings would not come easily.
• There are limited windows of opportunity to replace domestic heating systems.
• If Greater Manchester and Bury aim for a more ambitious carbon target of nearly zero carbon by 2050 then low carbon heating needs to accelerate. Heating systems need to become low carbon at the earliest opportunity
• For some areas and homes in Bury, if lower carbon gas is not available it is clear that electric heating is a cost effective way to decarbonise
• For other areas there is the potential to have a lower cost solution using district heating networks.
• There is significant uncertainty today in the future costs of both electric heating systems including heat pumps and heat networks.
• Decarbonising non-domestic buildings is necessary.
• Some non-domestics are modelled to use heat industrially and so are difficult to switch to a low carbon source.
• Local renewable energygeneration can play an important role.
• Meeting carbon targets will come at a cost.
• Most consumers are not currently familiar with the transitional technologies discussed in this report.
• Many consumers will value the sunk cost of their current heating system that is not at end of life – even if a new system would save them money overall.
• Even familiar technologies cannot be assumed to be easy to implement.
• Transitional technologies could help to tackle some of these consumer issues.
• The relative future costs of fuels, heating systems and fabric retrofit options closely influence which options are likely to be preferable.
• The level and cost of network new build and reinforcement and the opportunities for solar PV and battery storage are projected to be different depending on location, demonstrating why local area energy planning is needed to manage the process.
• Consideration will need to be given to how heat network costs are socialised across the local area.

Publication Year:

2018

Publisher:

ETI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000576

Author(s):

Energy Systems Catapult