Recommendations
It is important to recognise how local energy plans may be viewed alongside other types of plans. A lack of statutory responsibility for local energy systems means that local energy plans, or projects identified by them, do not have the same status as Local Plans. This can create difficulties in obtaining planning authority approval, particularly if appears to contradict aspects of the Local Plan. In addition, local energy plans may not comply with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Ambitious Local Plans can be altered by the central government's Planning Inspectorate depending on interpretations of the NPPF in line with government policy. This should not deter local and regional governments from developing ambitious decarbonisation plans. Arguably the more that do, with public agreement and support, this can pressure central government to revise the NPPF.
Collaboration
A stronger focus on collaboration is needed as opposed to what can often be more passive “engagement” activities. This should be not only with key stakeholders such as energy network operators, businesses and institutions in the region, but more widely including the public. Methodologies for both LAEP and EMP state the need for engagement but do not provide much detail or guidance in this area. Local planning authorities do conduct public consultations in the development of Local Plans for example. There is a risk however that pressures on funds and resources could impact on the capability to undertake such activities for other types of planning. Alternatively Local Plans could include energy planning, or at least certain aspects, and therefore included in public consultations taking place. LEP (LAEP or EMP) would still have a role in providing the techno-economic rationale for energy technology deployment in particular locations. LEP findings from spatial cost optimisation modelling exercises such as the LAEP should be considered alongside local societal and environmental knowledge and information.
Vision
Before conducting a LEP a future vision for the region needs to be developed along with a strategic framework. This will provide direction for regional decarbonisation that reflects local and regional needs and character and the pace of delivery. A vision that has the buy in of citizens can minimise resistance to the necessary changes and support the speed of decarbonisation that is needed. The vision and strategic framework could be conducted at the combined authority level. More detailed LEPs conducted at the local authority level with 4 support from the regional combined authority and other bodies such as government Net Zero Hubs and key stakeholders such as energy network operators.
Beyond energy efficiency
The new devolution deal for the North East region will create the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA). This will have an extensive suite of powers and funding for housing, education and transport provide a great opportunity to put the region at the forefront of future green industries.
Energy demand measures that go beyond efficiency measures such as more active travel for example, have been found to enhance wellbeing as well as making net zero emissions targets easier to achieve. We therefore recommend that NEMCA make energy demand reduction a prominent consideration in energy planning.
NEMCA next steps
In developing a regional energy planning programme, we recommend that NEMCA identifies opportunities for effective collaboration activities at the outset. This will build on existing initiatives such as Net Zero North East England, and work that has already been undertaken by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership. While it is noted that the devolution deal refers to collaborating with partners and initiatives across the North and across the border into Scotland, we would stress the need as well for more "bottom up" collaboration within the region. In our report we outline a potential collaboration model with regional stakeholders fulfilling different roles.
An early collaboration activity could be developing a regional future vision with as wide a variety of stakeholders as possible. Part of the development could discuss and learn which places or parts of society need targeted support and potential options as well as where the early opportunities are. Local Plan development cycles for constituent authorities need to be appraised and where there is scope to incorporate decarbonisation measures and potential to link activities across the region for shared objectives.
There is great potential in North East England for improving the wealth and wellbeing of its citizens in a transition to a low carbon economy. Prioritising energy demand reduction that go beyond energy efficiency improvements will make important contributions to achieving wellbeing goals. The North East is a region rich in renewable energy resources with scope for the deployment of on and offshore wind technologies, and geothermal heating from disused coal mines.
The region has a history of engineering having been at the forefront of the industrial era and has a strong digital and information technology sector. The Port of Blyth in Northumberland having been the home for the first offshore wind turbines in the UK is becoming a marine technology centre, and plans in Seaham, County Durham, for a new "garden village" using geothermal technologies. “The North East Evidence Hub” has been created as an important regional data source to support monitoring progress.
