We are pleased to announce that City Science has been commissioned by Powys County Council to update their Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Assessment (RLCEA). This critical project will help shape the county’s sustainable energy future and support its Local Development Plan.
Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Assessment
The RLCEA is a comprehensive evaluation of Powys’ potential for renewable and low carbon energy generation. It provides an essential evidence base for planning policies and decision-making related to sustainable energy development in the region. Our update will ensure that Powys County Council has the most current and accurate information to guide its energy strategy through to 2037.
Project Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are to:
- Assess current energy consumption and existing renewable capacity in Powys
- Evaluate the potential for various renewable and low-carbon energy technologies
- Identify opportunities for district heating networks
- Provide an updated evidence base to inform local planning policies
Outcomes of the Report
Our team of energy experts, will deliver this project through several key work packages:
- Policy Review and Methodology Development: We will conduct a comprehensive review of the latest relevant policies, including the Policy-17 pre-assessed areas for wind and the Infrastructure (Wales) Bill 2023. This review will inform our methodology for the assessment. We will develop a detailed methodology report outlining our approach, key assumptions, and datasets for each stage of the assessment. This report will be circulated to key stakeholders for early feedback and refinement.
- Energy Consumption and Existing Renewable Capacity Assessment: Using the latest data from BEIS/DESNZ and other authoritative sources, we will determine Powys’ current energy consumption and forecast future demand to 2037. We will also catalogue existing and planned renewable electricity and heat capacities in the region, creating detailed tables for both heat and electricity generation.
- Renewable Energy Resource Assessment: Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of the potential for various renewable and low carbon energy technologies in Powys. This will include evaluating opportunities for onshore wind energy, solar PV (ground-mounted and building-mounted), hydropower, biomass energy, energy from waste, and building integrated renewables.
- District Heating Opportunities Mapping: We will identify and assess potential opportunities for district heating networks within Powys, considering factors such as heat demand density, available heat sources, and infrastructure requirements.
- GIS Mapping and Data Analysis: Throughout the project, we will employ advanced GIS mapping and data analysis techniques to provide accurate and visually compelling results. This will include creating spatial representations of renewable and low carbon energy opportunities across the county.
- Stakeholder Engagement: We will engage with key stakeholders, including Powys County Council Officers, Natural Resources Wales, and the Welsh Government Planning Policy Branch, to gather input and ensure alignment with local priorities and requirements.
- Evidence Base Development: Based on our findings, we will compile a comprehensive evidence base to inform local planning policies and decision-making related to renewable and low carbon energy development in Powys.
- Final Report and Recommendations: We will produce a detailed final report summarising our findings, including proposed renewable energy targets and policy recommendations to support their achievement.