Net-Zero Council Guide Unveiled: Retrofit, Hydrogen & EV Funding

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. Today, we report on a practical new resource designed to accelerate electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.

Net Zero News can reveal that a new guide to help local authorities speed up their EV charging rollout was launched at the Transport + Energy Forum in Warwick. The initiative was unveiled by UK100 in partnership with UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator and Cenex, the UK centre of excellence for low-carbon transport.

Local authorities play a critical part in delivering charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. As the UK moves towards its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, councils face technical and regulatory hurdles in planning, consenting and connecting chargepoints. The guide brings together best practice, insights on grid capacity management, connection processes and stakeholder engagement strategies.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, the document provides a step-by-step approach to simplifying the roll-out process. It outlines how to navigate the electricity network charging regime, work with distribution network operators to secure grid connections and deploy rapid chargers in high-demand areas. The guide also includes case studies from pioneering local authorities that have successfully installed chargepoints in residential streets and town centres.

Transport emissions remain one of the UK’s largest sources of greenhouse gases, accounting for around a quarter of domestic emissions. Net Zero News understands this guide forms part of a broader effort to meet the UK’s legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gases by 78 per cent by 2035, on the way to net-zero by 2050. The need for rapid deployment of EV infrastructure has been underlined by the government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and the updated National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.

By removing barriers to deployment, the guide aims to reduce delays in securing planning permission, shorten lead times for network connections and improve coordination between councils and private sector partners. Expected outcomes include faster installation rates, more consistent coverage of public chargers in underserved areas and greater consumer confidence in switching to electric vehicles.

The collaboration between UK100, UK Power Networks’ DSO and Cenex brings together expertise from a local government network, a major electricity network operator and a low-carbon transport specialist. UK Power Networks’ DSO provides insights on managing network capacity and flexibility, while Cenex contributes technical analysis on charger siting and demand forecasting. UK100, which represents more than 100 local authorities, will support councils in embedding the guide’s recommendations into their EV strategies.

This initiative aligns with recent government funding for EV chargepoint infrastructure, including the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme and the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund. It complements support mechanisms for private investors and energy companies to develop rapid charging hubs along key transport corridors. The guide’s release follows the 2023 update to the UK’s Net Zero Strategy and forms part of the ongoing review of the Energy Act and forthcoming electric transport regulations.

Communities stand to benefit from more reliable and widespread access to charging, helping overcome “charge anxiety” that can deter drivers from switching away from petrol and diesel. Local businesses and tourism sectors may see increased footfall as charging hubs attract EV drivers. However, councils must still manage funding constraints, plan for grid upgrades and ensure equity of access in both urban and rural areas.

Net Zero News understands that local authorities will now begin integrating the guide’s recommendations into their EV infrastructure projects. Over the coming months, UK100 plans to host workshops and webinars to support councils with technical queries and share further learning. Authorities will be expected to review their existing charging strategies against the guide and report on progress at regional EV forums.

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