Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Councillors to Discuss Dundee’s Energy Plan.
Dundee’s journey towards achieving a net-zero carbon energy system is set to take a significant stride forward as city councillors prepare to discuss the first-ever Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) next week.
The LAEP provides a comprehensive vision of what a net-zero carbon energy system could entail for Dundee, outlining potential actions that could support the city in reaching its ambitious 2045 net-zero target.
Through rigorous analysis of various scenarios, the Dundee LAEP recommends a prioritised approach to drive the transformation required to decarbonise the city’s local energy system effectively.
The plan places emphasis on five key intervention themes crucial for Dundee’s sustainable future, including enhancing energy efficiency, decarbonising heat, maximizing rooftop PV and storage, ensuring network resilience through flexibility measures, and reducing and decarbonising transport.
Crucially, the development of Dundee’s LAEP involved active engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders within the local energy system, such as Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), housing providers, charities, energy providers, as well as local health and educational institutions.
Councillor Heather Anderson, the convener of the Climate, Environment & Biodiversity committee, highlighted the collaborative effort involved in creating the LAEP, stating, “Working collectively with key stakeholders, we are proud to present Dundee’s first Local Area Energy Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap towards transforming our city’s energy, heat, and transport systems to achieve net zero by 2045.”
She continued, “With a clear focus on reducing energy demand in homes and transitioning away from gas reliance, the plan not only promises warmer homes and cleaner transport but also holds the potential to create new job opportunities and apprenticeships in Dundee over the next two decades.”
Supporting this sentiment, Councillor Steven Rome, the convener for Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure, emphasised the collaborative nature required to achieve net zero, stating, “Dundee is well-positioned to tackle the challenge of achieving net zero with the Local Area Energy Plan aligning with our city-wide goals of economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.”
The LAEP integrates key aspects of Dundee’s statutory Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), taking into account a holistic approach that spans power, transport, energy systems, and storage within the city.
If approved, the Dundee Climate Leadership Group, a citywide partnership responsible for leading Dundee’s net-zero efforts, will oversee the implementation of the LAEP programme.
The Dundee Local Area Energy Plan is scheduled to be discussed at the upcoming Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Committee meeting on Monday, 23rd September 2024.
