The creation of local area energy plan is part of a Welsh Government initiative that will provide information as to how the country can get to net zero by 2050. It will enable decisions at a regional and national level to ensure a consistent approach.
In Swansea the council is already setting an example with its new generation of energy-efficient homes, the biggest local authority electric vehicle fleet in Wales and other projects which aim to both reduce its carbon footprint, boost and protect nature conservation.
Andrea Lewis, Swansea Council Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said: “Local authorities, the Welsh Government, the UK government, private business and many others have made a lot of progress in recent years to reduce the impact of modern life on our environment.
“If we want to leave a thriving, productive and climate-friendly world to our children, grand-children and future generations then we have to do more in the years ahead.”
“It doesn’t claim to be a road map to an overnight change because widespread engagement with our communities about the options and opportunities on offer and the choices they can make, are as important as active sign-up from business and industry.”
She said: “Councils and government will set an example and provide leadership but business, industry, communities and individuals will need to make decisions to play their part too. The local energy plan offers ideas, options and scenarios that will help people make decisions and understand what impact and opportunities those choices will have on their futures and their children’s futures.”
The report sets out a series of scenarios for future energy sources and energy supply, including the impact of a ‘do nothing more’ option to compare with changes envisaged by the plan.
It also highlights how heat pumps for homes and hydrogen infrastructure for industry and heavy vehicles could make a real difference in getting to net zero, as would a significant shift towards private electric vehicles and more use of public transport and active travel.
It also makes clear that collaboration and changing people’s attitudes and behaviour will be vital to success.
Welsh Government is funding a plan to set up a regional local area energy plan steering group covering the four councils within the Swansea Bay area.
An action plan has been drawn up which looks at establishing a skills network for green jobs, devising ways to reduce the cost of retrofitting social housing to help cut householders’ energy consumption and bills as well as developing closer collaborations with business and industry.
Cllr Lewis said: “Swansea Council is working to be a net zero organisation by 2030 and we want to see a net zero city by 2050. The local area energy plan is part of the welsh government story that tells us what we need to do if we are to get there.”
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
