Energy is fundamental to our way of life. The threat of climate change and
reduced UK oil, gas and coal production must be addressed. These challenges
provide a focus for a shift towards becoming a low carbon economy, through
energy efficiency and the development of renewable and sustainable energy
sources.
Low Carbon Transition Plan
The Government has published the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, a route map to a low
carbon country.
The Transition Plan is the most systematic response to climate change of
any major developed economy, and sets standards for others in the run up to
crucial talks in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Alongside the Plan, the Government has also published:
Regional Energy Strategy
The ‘East Midlands Energy Challenge’ is the region’s
strategic sustainable approach to energy and was developed in partnership
between ourselves, emda, East Midlands Regional Assembly and other regional
stakeholders. The strategy is currently being reviewed and will be
republished soon.
The Energy Strategy is built around the Energy Hierarchy:
-
reduce use of energy
-
use energy more efficiently
-
move to energy from renewable sources
-
use remaining fossil fuels cleanly
Key themes for the Strategy are:
-
Energy for communities: East Midlands Regional
Assembly will lead on those priorities that more directly involve
individuals, households and communities, including the general
environment.
-
Energy for enterprise: emda will lead
on priorities that affect the region’s economy,
including business productivity and skills, and the opportunities that
a low carbon economy presents.
-
Communicating the energy challenge: GOEM will
lead on coordinating a communications strategy for the region,
including the provision of capacity building and raising awareness that
will inform the other two workstrands.
East Midlands Renewable Energy Co-ordinator
The East Midlands has a Regional Renewable Energy Co-ordinator, Helen
Chadwick. Helen is hosted by the East Midlands Regional Assembly and her
role involves supporting the activities of the Regional Energy Group and
raising awareness and sharing best practice on sustainable energy
issues.
Contact:
helen.chadwick@emra.gov.uk
Tel: 01664 502 576
Renewable Energy
In December 2008 East Midlands Regional Assembly commissioned consultants
to undertake a review of renewable energy and energy efficiency
targets for the East Midlands. The report was published in June
2009 and can be viewed at the East Midlands
Regional Assembly web site: "Reviewing
Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Targets for the East
Midlands".
Local Authorities
A number of local authorities are highly committed to sustainable energy
policies and the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire councils have formed a
Local Authorities’ Energy Partnership (LAEP) to share good practice
and collaborate on initiatives. The LAEP has a collaborative agreement with
Marches Energy Agency to deliver increased and more effective action to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Three of the region’s local authorities are Beacon Councils for
Sustainable Energy – Nottinghamshire County Council, Leicester City
Council and High Peak Borough Council.
Case Study: Sherwood Energy Village
The regeneration of a former colliery site into a flagship of sustainable
development - comprises new industry, services and jobs (eventually
employing more than the old colliery did), housing, open spaces and
meeting, sports and leisure facilities. All buildings are constructed to
the highest environmental and energy efficiency standards.
The Energy Act 2008
The Energy White Paper, published in May 2007, set out the long
term framework for action to address the key challenges of climate change
and affordable energy supply.
The Energy Act has implemented the legislative aspects of the 2007 Energy
White Paper creating and strengthening legislative frameworks in the
following areas:
-
Offshore gas supply infrastructure
-
Carbon Capture and Storage
-
Renewables
-
Feed-in tariffs
-
Decommissioning of offshore renewables and oil and gas
installations
-
Nuclear waste and decommissioning financing
-
Offshore electricity transmission
-
Smart metering
-
Renewable heat incentives
Energy Measures Report
Action by local authorities is critical to the achievements of the
Government's climate change and energy objectives. The Government
published an Energy Measures Report (see related documents) in September
2007. This sets out the steps local authorities can take to
address climate change and poverty.
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit
organisation that provides free impartial advice to householders.
The Energy Saving Trust advice centre East Midlands provides a
single contact point where people can access information on energy saving,
domestic renewables, personal transport, water and waste. This advice
is impartial and expert, and available free of charge.
Contact: Tel: 0800 512 012 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday
Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust was set up by Government in
2001 as an independent company to accelerate the move to a low carbon
economy. It works with companies and organisations to reduce carbon
emissions and develop commercially viable low carbon technologies that
will reduce carbon emissions in the future
Contact: Tel: 0800 085 2005
