Dundee City Council OKs cutting-edge carbon-free plan.

The Dundee City Council has recently approved a groundbreaking plan that outlines the city’s journey towards becoming Scotland’s pioneering net zero city. Led by the Dundee Climate Leadership Group (DCLG), which comprises a collaboration of public and private sector organisations, the Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) is set to revolutionise Dundee’s energy system by driving innovation and ensuring clean and accessible energy for all residents.
The LAEP focuses on decarbonisation through various core areas, with a key emphasis on enhancing energy efficiency measures. An ambitious target has been set to retrofit 50,000 homes across Dundee by 2033, followed by an additional 20,000 homes by 2045. Additionally, the plan highlights the importance of decarbonising heat in buildings through the deployment of heat networks and heat pumps, which could potentially meet up to a third of the city’s heating demand through low carbon heating technologies.
Moreover, Dundee aims to solidify its position as Scotland’s leading city in transport decarbonisation by reducing transport demand by 15%. This will involve the development of alternative modes of transport, such as safer walking and cycling routes, as well as increasing the number of electric vehicle charging points and promoting the use of alternative transport fuels throughout the city.
One of the key opportunities outlined in the LAEP is the expansion of solar-generated power by maximising photovoltaic (PV) and rooftop storage. The plan encourages both public and private sector partners to install PV and battery systems, while also promoting the adoption of solar power technology among consumers.
In addition, the LAEP identifies an opportunity to enhance Dundee’s electricity network resilience by reducing peak-hour grid demand through improved management and flexibility measures. Following its recent approval by Dundee City Council’s Climate, Environment, and Biodiversity committee, the DCLG will now commence implementing the next phases of the plan, which involve engaging with stakeholders and the wider community to establish core actions and explore funding opportunities.
Ronnie Quinn, Chair of the DCLG, expressed his satisfaction with the approval of the LAEP, hailing it as a crucial step towards addressing the climate emergency and supporting Dundee’s ambitious journey towards achieving Net Zero status. He emphasised the importance of collaborating with local stakeholders across the public and private sectors to develop initiatives focused on low carbon technologies, infrastructure development, community engagement, and other transitional programmes.
Councillor Heather Anderson, Deputy Chair of the DCLG, commended the LAEP for providing an ambitious pathway for Dundee to lead the way in decarbonising its energy system. She highlighted the five core strategic interventions outlined in the plan, which aim to utilise technology to enhance energy efficiency, reduce consumption, and effectively manage grid demand.
With the support of public and private partners within the DCLG and the wider Dundee community, the LAEP sets the stage for Dundee to progress in its transition towards Net Zero. For those interested in delving deeper into the details of the plan, the Local Area Energy Plan can be accessed here.