UK100 introduces charter for improved collaboration.

Local leaders are rallying for stronger collaboration to drive the UK’s clean energy agenda forward. In a recent summit held in London, the UK100 Local Leaders: Clean Energy Superpower Summit, key stakeholders from national and local government, community leaders, and energy sector experts came together to fast-track the adoption of clean energy solutions.

One of the highlights of the summit was the unveiling of the “Local Net Zero 2.0: The Moment To Deliver” report, in addition to the establishment of a local-national Charter of Collaboration aimed at fostering stronger ties between local and national authorities.

The report and Charter put forth several recommendations, including:

  • Making Skills England’s support for the construction sector a top priority to facilitate the development of Net Zero homes.
  • Implementing a national framework for Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) with dedicated funding from Great British Energy.
  • Removing obstacles in the planning process to accelerate the deployment of renewables and other emerging technologies.
  • Creating a comprehensive grid expansion strategy that prioritises engagement with local communities for mutual benefit.
  • Revamping funds for retrofitting social housing to drive broad transformation within the sector.

Key speakers at the summit included Tom Hayes MP, Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, and Emma Pinchbeck, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee.

The Charter is open for local leaders to sign, aiming to unite efforts and foster partnerships in the transition towards clean energy. It intends to address the pressing challenges highlighted in the Local Net Zero 2.0 report, such as a projected 64% surge in electricity demand by 2035, the imperative to triple onshore wind and quintuple solar capacity, and significant delays of up to 15 years in grid connections for renewable projects.

Cllr Dan De’Ath from Cardiff Council, a signatory of the Charter, emphasised that this initiative presents a pivotal opportunity to overcome barriers hindering the prompt delivery of clean energy initiatives across governmental bodies.

Christopher Hammond, the Chief Executive of UK100, underscored the monumental task of decarbonising the grid, equating it to the most substantial infrastructure investment in the UK since World War II. He stressed the essential role of local authorities as partners in this transition, highlighting the significance of community engagement and equitable distribution of economic benefits.

Emma Pinchbeck highlighted the need for a substantial increase in infrastructure development to meet future energy demands, emphasising the necessity for collaborative efforts in ensuring the successful expansion of the power sector.

Tom Hayes MP echoed the sentiment that local authorities play a crucial role in the clean energy transition, stressing the importance of aligning national ambitions with local expertise and community relationships.

Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, affirmed the commitment to building a more sustainable future through collaboration with local leaders.

Furthermore, the summit introduced the launch of a new report titled “Inclusive Climate Action: A Toolkit for Effective Public Engagement in Decision-Making,” a collaborative effort between UK100 and Involve UK. Steph Draper from Involve UK highlighted the positive impact of participatory approaches in driving better clean energy outcomes and empowering residents to actively participate in the transition.

By fostering greater collaboration, aligning national goals with local efforts, and empowering communities to engage in the clean energy transition, the UK is poised to accelerate its journey towards becoming a clean energy superpower by 2030. The concerted efforts of all stakeholders, from government entities to grassroots organisations, will be key in realising this ambitious vision for a cleaner, greener future.

Image courtesy of UK100

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