A focus on people and net zero placemaking would spark a breakthrough, says Dr Stephen Hall of climate innovation charity Ashden
UK net zero innovators are finding new and exciting ways to drive down the carbon impact of our homes and energy systems, which account for a huge share of our national emissions.
Pioneers are taking advantage of progress in connectivity and digitisation to offer trailblazing products and services, benefiting the public and sectors with a pivotal role in decarbonisation.
So how do we help these innovators reach their true potential?
Scanning the work of innovating UK organisations, the potential impact of increased data and smart systems is clearer than ever.
This holds big promise for those planning future energy networks, developing new consumer products, retrofitting homes and tackling the finance and funding of net zero solutions. Granular information helps us trade and use energy with maximum efficiency, and target action where it’s needed most.
However, the value of these advances will only really be unlocked with localised, decentralised policy thinking.
We are now able to gather and interrogate information about energy generation at a particular site, or its use in a given home or street, in the blink of an eye. But if all key decisions are taken in Whitehall, we won’t create the agile and nuanced response needed to reach net zero.
Focus on people and net zero placemaking
We need a people- and place-led energy strategy. This is vital to tackle the big missions ahead, such as electrification of heating and making every home in the UK warm and energy efficient.
If the challenge is making sure there’s a skilled local workforce to deliver transformation or that measures are tailored to the type of housing in a particular area, the solution can’t be dictated from London.
There are signs of progress; first, there is growing recognition that location-based pricing can save consumers money. Recent moves to understand location-based pricing mean that some towns and cities will benefit from new opportunities to attract renewable energy generators and flexibility assets.
Further indications of the value of place can be seen in the devolution of powers from central government. In the last 18 months, new devolution deals have been signed for the East Midlands, East Anglia, Yorkshire, and North East England.
Meanwhile, two established authorities, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, made greater retrofit powers an important part of their expanded powers agreed with the government earlier this year.
Encouraging signs, but it’s vital that government policy on energy and net zero goes further in handing meaningful power to regions and the people that live there. As a minimum, we need more funding and policies to trial place-based energy strategies.
This should include changes to the structure of the retail market, where the UK has not experimented enough. There is only so much that can be done with a consumer’s energy services if they can switch supplier within 28 days. To really combine the benefits of retrofit, flexibility and heat and transport electrification, we need to stop treating these as isolated elements existing in separate markets.
Firing energy innovation
Energy innovators can see opportunities ahead. Rising prices have fired energy issues up many people’s lists of priorities – from residents and corporates to policymakers. What was an incidental cost for homes and businesses is now a real driver of decision-making.
Trailblazers leading the way include four pioneers shortlisted in the 2023 Ashden Award for Energy Innovation, supported by Impax Asset Management. The scaling up or replication of their ideas could have a huge effect but hitting net zero targets will need a whole-of-society effort. If we can make sure every corner of the UK has a voice in the decisions we make and can see the benefits created, change on the scale required is possible.
Four to watch: The shortlist for the 2023 Ashden Award for Energy Innovation, supported by Impax Asset Management
Advanced Infrastructure
Advanced Infrastructure’s geospatial planning tool LAEP+ is supporting local authorities in the UK, energy networks and practitioners to identify and plan viable pathways to decarbonise local areas.
The Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT)
The Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust is originating carbon credits to unlock funds supporting UK homes in need of retrofitting.
Tepeo
Tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB) is a plug-and-play replacement for existing fossil fuel boilers that works with a hot water tank to deliver low-carbon and low-cost home heating in the UK.
UrbanChain
UrbanChain runs a safe, transparent and unique energy market for renewables, enabling UK consumers to place an order for electricity and for generators to meet that order.
Dr Stephen Hall
Head of awards
Ashden
Tel: +44 (0)20 7410 0330
