City Science was commissioned by Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council to develop their Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). This project marks a significant step to achieving their 2045 net zero target.
Overview
Local Area Energy Planning involves developing a comprehensive, strategic plan designed to identify effective changes within local energy systems for local authorities to achieve their area-wide net zero targets. Using a whole-system approach, it involves analysis of current energy usage, future potential pathways for achieving net zero, and prioritised Action Plans that support decarbonisation commitments. LAEP’s bring together council teams, energy network operators, industries, and other key stakeholders to achieve a shared goal and make informed decisions about the most effective pathways to achieve net zero commitments, while identifying necessary investment priorities.
The LAEP process provides a structured approach and follows four key stages as seen in the diagram below, with each stage building on the previous one to develop a clear, evidence-based plan for implementation.
City Science Response
Our delivery of this LAEP included:
- Understanding the Current Energy System: We gathered and analysed a variety of data to understand baseline energy demand and generation within the BCP area. This covered a range of sectors including domestic and non-domestic buildings, surface transport, renewable energy, and maritime.
- Future Energy Systems: To understand what the BCP area may look like in the future, two innovative modelling scenarios were developed and modelled to offer insights into the potential futures and their impacts. One scenario had a focus on behaviour change and the other on technological advancements.
- Developing a Net Zero Pathway: Based on the scenario modelling, a Balanced Net Zero Pathway was developed that pursued net zero by 2045. Spatial planning was also core to this LAEP, with focus zones highlighted for certain interventions to enable targeted delivery.
- Action Plan Formulation: A prioritised Action Plan was created which outlined the specific steps to drive progress towards the Net Zero Pathway.
- Stakeholder Engagement: A comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme was established as a crucial aspect of the LAEP. This was embedded throughout each stage of the development process, with several 1:1 interviews, workshops, and consultation sessions held to ensure the ambitions of the local stakeholders were met.
Within this LAEP it was important to recognise and highlight some key aspects that are specific to the BCP area, such as the high geothermal potential and several identified clusters of significant heat demand within the area, supporting high heat network feasibility as mapped below.
Outcome
The LAEP will provide a clear roadmap for the BCP area to transition to a low-carbon energy future and will guide BCP Council’s efforts in achieving its ambitious net zero target. The detailed Action Plan provides the next steps for implementing this LAEP, whilst enabling informed coordination across key local stakeholders.