SP Energy Networks has launched an open source tool to support the UK’s community energy sector achieve net zero emissions reductions.
The Zero Carbon Communities tool is a free, centralised source of information that aims to bring together shared knowledge of local community energy projects, as part of efforts to boost investment in the growth of the community energy sector and wider economy.
The platform will be used by community groups planning and developing renewable energy projects – helping them decide on technology, location, scale, governance and management processes.
It also provides guidance and signposting on how to approach each area to overcome potential problems at an early stage and shorten project lead times.
The new tool has been created with support from Community Energy Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway College and the Energy Skills Partnership.
As the UK’s energy is increasingly generated in the communities where it will be used, community groups have the potential to provide local energy solutions that meet local needs and maximise local benefits such as job creation.
Previously, community energy projects may have involved full or part-time community ownership of technology such as solar or a local hydro scheme.
Today communities are creating local energy economies through initiatives like pooling their energy demand to offer flexibility services to network operators or using local electric fleet vehicle batteries as network storage solutions.
SP Energy Networks customer service director Guy Jefferson said: “Community energy projects have the potential to transform the UK’s energy sector with the introduction of renewable technology specific to the needs of the local area.
“Our new Zero Carbon Communities tool will help organisations through the planning and development process, allowing them to overcome potential pitfalls and get the right investment in place quicker than ever before.
“Bespoke local energy solutions are required if the UK is going to meet its net zero emissions targets.”
The software is designed to provide step-by-step support, technical information and examples to help facilitate bespoke projects that meet local needs.
Community Energy Scotland CEO Nicholas Gubbins said: “The Zero Carbon Communities tool allows us to move to a more tailored energy solution rather than a one size fits all method.
“There’s opportunity for a range of local energy projects which is extremely positive as the electricity network can be tailored for local demand. For example, modern storage heaters can store heat and can measure how much heat is being used and link this to the price a customer pays.
“Ultimately, the tool is great as it allows people to have information on how to move to smarter energy projects more easily.”