Liz Wells MRTPI

How can we ensure that the urgent need for a low carbon future is fair, inclusive and sustainable? Our latest report on delivering a just energy transition has six key recommendations for UK Government and policymakers. The six key recommendations include forming a positive narrative around decarbonisation to garner public support, setting up Transition Taskforces to enable those impacted by the energy transition to influence policies, and utilising the Industrial Strategy to deliver a just transition by learning from global best practices. Additionally, the report emphasises the need to ensure an enhanced focus on the benefits of hosting new energy infrastructure, invest in skills development to support the transition, and increase investment in research and development for sustainable technologies. Read the report in full at https://ow.ly/sE8I50UiOX2 #WeAreUoN

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The Scottish Government, through ClimateXChange (CXC), commissioned us to explore how vulnerable groups can be protected during the push for decarbonisation. Our research revealed key insights on international best practices and highlighted potential barriers to implementing energy measures in the domestic housing sector. Key Findings: 🔸 Provisions for personal circumstances in regulations are rare but crucial. 🔸 Financial support for low-income groups is the most common assistance. 🔸 Unintended consequences: could exemptions reduce uptake of necessary upgrades? To dive deeper into our findings and see how we're shaping fair and effective energy policy, read the full case study: https://bit.ly/47MRFHy

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Frontier recently held the fourth webinar in our #MarketDesign series: Capacity Market Design. 🌟 We covered several topics, including the case for changing the GB electricity reliability standards. 🔌 We have written a report for DESNZ on this topic 📃 📌 Click here to read the full report https://okt.to/HrbIZN #UKEnergy #UKElectricity

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The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) announces £9.7 million of funding for 21 round three alpha phase projects delivered by Innovate UK 📢 Most projects progress through a single round. Each phase builds on learning from the previous phase. The HeatNet project is one of the successful projects from round 3 discovery, it is looking at tackling rising heat pump demand. As the adoption of heat pumps accelerates, the need for smarter solutions to tackle costly voltage drops and network strain is growing. The project will refine smart coordination tools that will support more heat pumps without the need for expensive network reinforcement and upgrades. This will ensure a reliable network that meets consumer needs and keeps them comfortable. But the flexibility of funding provided by SIF means that not all projects must follow the same path. Projects that align with a challenge and meet the necessary requirements can submit an application straight to Alpha or Beta. Projects that meet this criterion include those funded by SIF in a previous round or funded from an energy innovation fund such as the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA). Find out more 🔗 https://ow.ly/k7Hk50THZou #OfgemSIF #EnergyInnovation #BusinessInnovation #EnergyNetworks

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🎉 Passiv has been awarded another round of funding as part of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund for the HeatNet project! 🔥 HeatNet will explore how smart controls can be used to tackle the challenge of increased heat pump uptake on constrained electricity networks. The project will consider how smart, coordinated control can avoid the need for costly network reinforcement. Find out more about the project below 👇 #SIF #OfgemSIF #heatpumps #smartercontrols #pst #passivsmartthermostat 

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The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has named the eight energy and nature experts appointed to the Advisory Commission for Mission Control Board, tasked with accelerating the country’s mission for clean power by 2030 #uk #renewableenergy #greenenergy #netzero #2030

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❓How can domestic demand-side response be unlocked in the UK? Demand-side response is gaining momentum in the UK, addressing the growing need for grid flexibility. Join Voltalis UK, Blunomy, and EHC as they break down key market trends and share insights from a pioneering pilot project with DESNZ! 🗓 Webinar date: Thursday, December 12 at 10 AM GMT. Agenda: •Why is flexibility critical for the UK grid? •What is the potential of domestic demand-side response? •Key learnings from our pilot project, Tomorrow’s Homes Today, funded by DESNZ •Future opportunities in the UK market 👉 Register here to join: https://lnkd.in/dMvqgeYX Blunomy is a strategic consultancy with over 15 years of experience focused on energy and climate transition. Over the years, the company has built extensive expertise in non-wire alternatives and flexibility solutions. Voltalis UK is an enabler of the demand-side response in the UK by optimising and operating flexibilities. They are already operating >1GW of flexibility and is planning to operate >3GW of flexibility by 2030. EHC is at the heart of the UK's electrification targets as a manufacturer of appliances, including heat pumps, heaters and boilers among others. #THT #Innovation #GridFlexibility #EnergyTransition #EnergyCrisis

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Informed policy and greater certainty to unlock the UK’s renewables potential is what's needed, says RSK Renewables Director, Kit Hawkins in an opinion piece to help define the actions that should be taken to release the potential of the UK renewables sector following the general election. In a piece written for 'Energy Voice', Kit states that setting challenging, ambitious targets might set the tone politically but this will not aid project delivery unless these targets are underpinned by real policy support. Full article: https://bit.ly/3yA9RXF #greenenergy #goinggreen #zerocarbon #sustainability #energyefficiency #greenbuilding #environmentalsustainability #energyefficient #netzero #letsdonetzero What are your thoughts?

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Why is investing in grid infrastructure an urgent priority for Scotland? ⚡ The infographics below explain how building grid is fundamental to reaching net-zero, cutting energy bills and delivering socioeconomic benefits to Scottish communities. To find out even more about Scotland’s need for this crucial infrastructure, read our grid briefing: https://lnkd.in/eSZZkAz3. There has never been a more important time for Scotland’s wind industry. Stay tuned this #WEW24 to learn about what drives the industry’s key policy asks. #BuildGrid #WEW24 #renewables

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To close off #NetZeroWeek we wanted to highlight how partnership working is at the centre of our current strategy to help Scotland achieve net zero. By working together, sharing ideas and making them happen at pace, we can make an impact now and most importantly one that lasts.  https://lnkd.in/eQ32nrzH #Decarbonisation #Partnerships #Collaboration #ClimateEmergency #Energy #ReduceEmissions

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The Local Power Plan promises to deliver 8 gigawatts of local and community owned energy, enough to supply over 4 million homes. This aspect of the UK Government’s energy agenda has the potential to decrease the UK’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels and bring down bills in local communities. Yet there are regulatory and legal challenges that make it difficult for community projects to sell their power locally. Our new blog sets out examples of how community energy organisations are overcoming these challenges and turning their clean power into lower bills. Read more about how community power can help deliver affordable energy 👇 https://lnkd.in/ee9sAQHc

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⭐ Project Update ⭐      This week, we take a closer look at the Energy Hub Planning Tool, a key component of the Data for Net Zero (D4NZ) project, funded by The Scottish Government through the Net Zero Technology Centre to transform the North Sea energy system 🌊 The project’s goal is to develop a digital framework for decision-makers by integrating multi-scale energy system modelling with a geographical planning tool. Initially, the Energy Hub Planning Tool will focus on a specific group of offshore and onshore energy assets and networks, then insights gained from this phase will be expanded to cover the entire energy basin ⚡ Our Net Zero Operations team are actively seeking project stakeholders interested in modelling the optimal integration of new energy technologies. One of the key challenges in advancing the topology optimisation tools is the availability of reliable case studies and access to necessary data. As such, the team would welcome collaboration opportunities in this space, as they would aid in the efforts to creating innovative and effective solutions that support the energy transition 🌱 Learn more about this collaborative project and get in-touch to discuss any potential collaborations 🤝    #ResearchImpact #NetZero #EnergyTransition

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We believe in bringing together individuals, businesses and communities to build #cleanenergy projects faster.     Working together to help the UK reach #netzero 💪    To date, our #renewableenergy projects have avoided the emission of over 1 million tonnes of CO2e.   Together we can power change.     #NetZeroWeek #energytransition 

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As you've no doubt seen, Climate Change Authority has released its Sector Pathways Review, which considers the potential pathways for our Government to reach net zero emissions by 2050. As Frank Jotzo described it for The Conversation Australia + NZ, it is "the most important analysis to date on how the country might get there." With so much to do in very short order, it's heartening to see the CCA centering energy efficiency and energy management initiatives across the economy. More detail and links to the full review and summaries at https://lnkd.in/dFuczASV

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Encouraging to see a number of Scottish Renewables’ priorities addressed in the Programme for Government 2024/25 unveiled today. Key commitments include: 🔵 A new Planning Hub to build capacity and improve efficiency in the planning system, aiming to reduce timescales for section 36 and 37 determinations. 🔵 A new planning apprenticeship programme to invest in a pipeline of skilled future planners, accompanied by reforms to the education and skills funding system to make it more responsive to skills priorities. 🔵 A new online investment portal to support the development of a national project pipeline of investment opportunities in supply chains and enabling infrastructure. 🔵 A maintained commitment to provide up to £500 million over five years for the offshore wind supply chain, aiming to leverage at least £1.5 billion of private investment. 🔵 A maintained commitment to bring forward the Heat in Buildings Bill and New Build Heat Standard. As we continue to await the Energy Strategy & Just Transition Plan and Green Industrial Startegy, it is also good to see a commitment from the Scottish Government to fully engage with the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plans. Look forward to further detail coming forward shortly on planning and skills reform, but absolutely right for the Scottish Government to focus on investment, infrastructure and innovation to support our net-zero ambitions as repeatedly called for by Scottish Renewables. A wind turbine on the front cover of the Programme for Government 2024/25 a nice touch too! https://lnkd.in/ehKvfQ2b

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🤝 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆? 🌍 Suffolk County Council's recent opposition to major infrastructure projects highlights a tricky balancing act: how do you look after local communities while still ensuring national progress? In our latest article, Johnathan Reynolds looks at just this, pitching a new way forward - a more collaborative, more constructive form of engagement - that can show how regions can embrace the energy transition in a way that is both sustainable and beneficial for all. "We need to see a much more balanced approach and more proactive and open engagement with developers. Suffolk County Council’s constant opposition is deeply frustrating as Suffolk has some extraordinary investment opportunities across the clean energy sectors. This opposition is also contradictory, considering that these new grid infrastructure projects are precisely what’s needed to continue the growth of the region’s renewable energy sector." #netzero #energytransition #collaboration #climatechange #climateemergency

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SSE Renewables has introduced a £10 million Hydro Community Fund to support projects in areas across Scotland that host its hydroelectric power facilities. This fund aims to assist community development initiatives, continuing SSE Renewables’ commitment to these regions and marking a key milestone in Scotland’s hydroelectric legacy. The launch follows the 80th anniversary of the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act of 1943, which paved the way for extensive hydro infrastructure in Scotland. According to a recent Biggar Economics report commissioned by SSE Renewables, hydro investment since 1943 amounts to £7.5 billion and supports over 10,000 jobs annually in Scotland, including more than 5,500 in the Highlands and Islands. SSE Renewables has consulted with local councils to identify funding priorities. Key focus areas include sustainable transport, affordable housing, small business growth, social enterprises, and initiatives to improve community well-being through arts, sports, and recreation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eqG96AEK #hydropower #communityfund #investment

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Can you help decarbonise our UK energy system? Funded by Ofgem and delivered by Innovate UK, the Strategic Innovation Fund is actively tackling the big challenges that face our energy networks in achieving net zero! Join us to hear from our round three discovery projects, engage with the networks and their project partners, ask questions, find out if you can get involved in the next phase. Monday 3 June: 9:30am - Enabling future hydrogen pathways for industry 11am - Supporting networks to drive the decarbonisation of heat 2pm - Flexibility solutions for a responsive future network Tuesday 4 June: 10am - Advanced analysis to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve system visibility 2pm - Energy storage solutions to reduce stress on generation resources and improve demand side flexibility Wednesday 5 June: 10am - Network resilience against the impacts of climate change, digital threats and system disruptions 2pm - Accelerating asset rollout through network planning and modelling techniques Register now to secure your place, pick the sessions you’d like to attend, hear from the projects that are making the UK’s energy systems better for people, the planet and for business. https://lnkd.in/e8HtCBFE

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Implementing procurement policies into your bids can be daunting, but help is at hand for Scottish SMEs. Join a free "Responding to Tender Policy Requirements" webinar, on 9 July, to learn all you need to know about the most common policy requirements: https://bit.ly/3KWB4GI #10DR #Policy #HelpingYouBidBetter #Procurement #SMEs #PublicSector

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