Local leaders unite at summit to power up Britain’s clean energy superpower mission
Posted by: electime 14th October 2024
- UK100 summit brings together national and local government and community and national energy sector leaders to accelerate clean energy rollout
- Event to address key challenges in local area energy planning, grid infrastructure and community engagement
- Keynote speakers from Westminster, local government and industry leaders
- Summit acts as the launch event for UK100’s new “Local Net Zero 2.0: The Moment To Deliver” report
As the new government approaches its symbolic 100th day in office, local leaders from across the UK are set to gather for a crucial summit aimed at powering up Britain’s ambitious clean energy superpower mission.
The summit features keynote speakers Tom Hayes MP, National Mission Champion for Energy; Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy; and Emma Pinchbeck, who has just been announced as the new Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee.
The Local Leaders: Clean Energy Superpower Summit, taking place at County Hall, London on 15 October 2024, will serve as the launch event for UK100’s flagship “Local Net Zero 2.0: The Moment To Deliver” report.
The new report highlights daunting energy challenges facing Britain: electricity demand set to surge 64% by 2035, a need to triple onshore wind and quintuple solar capacity, and renewable projects facing up to 15-year grid connection delays. The findings underscore the urgent need for local-national collaboration, which the summit aims to address.
Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, says: “Before the national grid, local authorities alongside private companies helped roll out electricity supply in our cities, towns and villages almost a century ago. Over the decades, their role diminished, but now is the time for them to once again power up and help deliver the Clean Energy Superpower mission.”
The summit aims to spotlight the pivotal role of local leadership in overcoming hurdles to achieving Britain’s national clean energy ambitions. The event will focus on four key areas crucial to accelerating the clean energy transition:
- Implementing nationwide Local Area Energy Planning
- Accelerating renewable energy growth by addressing planning barriers
- Prioritising local engagement and community benefit in clean energy projects
- Investing in a smarter, decentralised grid
Tom Hayes MP says: “As a former local climate leader, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial local authorities are in delivering the clean energy transition. Our ambitious goal to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 will be delivered faster and more successfully if we do it hand-in-hand with local leaders. They have the on-the-ground knowledge and community relationships needed to drive rapid change.”
Mete Coban adds: “I am proud that London is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, driving innovation to deliver on ambitious targets. This summit is a crucial opportunity to share expertise, align strategies, and amplify our collective impact.”
Hammond concludes: “Our summit highlights the pivotal role local leadership has in realising our national ambitions. Our network is calling for a robust national framework for Local Area Energy Plans, backed by dedicated funding from Great British Energy. The removal of planning barriers for renewables and new technologies. A collaborative grid expansion plan that puts local community benefits at the heart of the energy transition. By taking these steps, we’ll be on the way to accelerate clean energy deployment, boost energy security, and unlock economic growth across the UK.”
The summit will also see the launch of UK100 and Involve UK’s new “Inclusive Climate Action: A Toolkit for Effective Public Engagement in Decision-Making” report on public engagement in climate action. A key panel, “Rules of Engagement: How to Engage Communities on Renewable Energy Projects”, will explore effective strategies for involving local communities in the clean energy transition.
Steph Draper, Director of Innovation and Practice at Involve UK, says:
“Effective public engagement is critical to accelerating the rollout of clean energy at the local level. This summit is an excellent opportunity to showcase our new Inclusive Climate Action toolkit, which equips local leaders with practical strategies to bring communities into the heart of decision-making on renewable projects. Our research shows that when done well, participatory approaches not only lead to better clean energy outcomes but also empower residents to become active partners in the transition.”
This summit marks a pivotal moment in Britain’s clean energy journey. By harnessing local leadership and community engagement, it aims to unlock innovative solutions that could accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy while ensuring benefits are felt across the country. The partnerships forged could lay the foundation for Britain’s success as a clean energy superpower, built on local-national collaboration.
