Energy Systems Catapult and Afallen were commissioned to create Local Area Energy Plans (LAEP) for both Ceredigion and Powys. These plans will pave the way for enabling effective local action to be taken which will contribute to the 2050 net zero emission target.
Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) is a data driven approach which sets out to improve our understanding of how a local area is likely to decarbonise its energy sector. LAEP modelling includes everything from energy supply and demand to transport, buildings and industry. The local plans were designed in collaboration with stakeholders from across Mid Wales.
The outputs of the LAEPs are a spatial plan that identify: what the solutions are, where they should be deployed, how much they will cost, when they should be pursued and by whom.
The solutions include a mixture of:
- Grid infrastructure investment
- Low-carbon technologies (e.g. renewable electricity generation, heat pumps, electric vehicles)
- Solutions which reduce energy demand (e.g. energy efficiency measures, active travel)
Why are the Local Area Energy Plans important?
- Although steps are being taken to transition to net-zero emissions in Mid Wales' (e.g. the decarbonisation of public buildings, the roll out of electric vehicle charging points), the pace of change needs to significantly increase.
- LAEPs help to identify where stakeholders in Mid Wales can come together to work towards transitioning to a low-carbon, fair and equal energy system where benefits can be created and retained within our region. This work will complement wider regional energy work that is underway which, in part, informs Welsh Government energy policy.
- Welsh Government have committed to a major programme of LAEP roll-out, so that every part of Wales will have a plan. Watch the following video by Welsh Government that explains LAEP in Wales: https://youtu.be/vBBiY2sqesc
Key outputs from Ceredigion and Powys' Local Area Energy Plans. (PDF, 3 MB)
All Welsh local authorities will be publishing their LAEPs in 2024, these will then be scaled up to create a National Energy Plan for Wales, mapping out future energy demand and supply for all parts of Wales.
Both Ceredigion and Powys County Councils have recently endorsed their respective Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs).
The LAEP reports are available to view here:
Key findings of the LAEPs include:
- High priority projects:
Heat pumps: The LAEPs estimate that 86000 heat pumps will need to be installed by 2050 across Mid Wales.
Fabric efficiency upgrades: 61400 homes could benefit from fabric improvements such as insulation and double glazing.
Smart local energy systems: Using electricity locally in a smart, flexible way could minimise energy bills, increase local ownership of renewable energy, and reduce the need for network upgrades.
Heat network: Aberystwyth has been identified as the most suitable location for a district heat network in Mid Wales.
Electric vehicles: Installation of charging infrastructure will need to match the projected rise in electric vehicles in Mid Wales. - Investment:The LAEPs estimate an additional £1.95 billion investment is needed in Mid Wales to reach net zero, 40% of this will be needed for domestic property upgrades.
- Skills: Addressing the region's skills gap is essential to enable the roll out of efficiency measures, heat pump and solar panel installation at scale. The LAEP estimate an additional 995 jobs could be created locally by 2050.
- Renewable energy generation: Mid Wales has the potential to generate a significant amount of renewable electricity. Stakeholders have highlighted however the importance of ensuring benefits are accrued locally (e.g. shared ownership, lower bills).
- Electricity network upgrades: The energy networks will use the LAEP outputs to inform their business planning.
- Multiple benefits: Initiatives suggested in the LAEPs will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate fuel poverty, improve health, and create jobs.
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