Delivering a carbon-negative energy system in North Yorkshire

Client

York and North Yorkshire

Website
Date of review
March 2023

Who

York and North Yorkshire LEP, supported by the NEY Net Zero Hub

What

The programme, whose development and management was led by the NEY Net Zero Hub’s PM for York and North Yorkshire based within the Combined Authority, Katie Privett, consisted of the development of local area energy plans for the region, and a series of feasibility studies across decarbonising transport, buildings and energy supply. In December 2022, the programme was completed, over-delivering on its projected outputs and outcomes.

Why

The programme met regional and local needs identified in the regional Routemap to Carbon Negative. To identify regional focus areas, highlight the most impactful and urgent projects, and  facilitate a well-planned transition to net zero energy systems, all the York & North Yorkshire local authorities, Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks collaborated on local area energy planning – adding the ‘where’ to the ‘what, how and when’ of measures identified in the Routemap. The feasibility studies have tackled issues including locally-designed e-transport options, decarbonising community buildings and large hospitals, and high-level studies to deploy large heat and power projects via collaborations between local authorities and businesses.

Impact

The programme of activity above was evaluated independently by Thrive Economics and the Centre for Sustainable Energy. They concluded that the programme had made the most of the opportunity afforded by the funding and had over-delivered on its outputs whilst remaining within the time and budget allocated. Many of the projects within the programme have transferrable learnings across the Hub and knowledge transfer is ongoing.

What next?

All elements of the programme are now being utilised either to seek capital funding to implement the recommended actions, or to inform development of local and regional policy to deliver against the York & North Yorkshire Routemap to Carbon Negative. Notes to editors: The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.
Decarbonisation plans developed
40
Organisations involved
134

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