The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is to work with three local authorities to test its innovative EnergyPath software.
EnergyPath has been developed to help with the planning of cost-effective local energy systems for the UK and it will play a key role in the ETI’s Smart Systems and Heat (SSH) programme, which aims to create future-proof and economic local heating solutions for the UK.
During 2015 the ETI will work with Newcastle City Council, Bridgend County Borough Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to develop the software further and test its output when operating across different locations.
The three locations provide a good representation of different parts of the UK. Feedback from the testing with the three authorities will identify areas of improvement ahead of the software being widely accessible from early 2016.
ETI SSH Programme Director Grant Bourhill said:
“Before designing the software we consulted widely with local authorities over their needs for energy planning. By working in partnership with these local authorities to test the EnergyPath software it will help them to generate multi-decade, multi-vector local energy transition plans specific to their locations.
“The EnergyPath software will help to identify what technical solutions should be used, where to deploy them and when they should be introduced - effectively creating a long term energy masterplan for a specific local area.
“We will also be working with these three authorities to identify how the EnergyPath outputs can be exploited in both local and national planning policy, as well as quantifying the economic and social benefits which could accrue from of any of the identified energy transition projects.”
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council and Chair of the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Hub Board, said:
“GMCA is delighted to have been selected to participate in this pioneering Smart Systems and Heat programme with ETI. Keeping local residents warm and comfortable, while cutting our carbon emissions, is an important strategic goal for Greater Manchester and will help us rise to the challenge of finding smart ways to heat our homes in the future.
“By being part of this project, we will be at the forefront of insight and research whilst benefitting from significant investment and practical demonstrations, which can only help further our low carbon ambitions and have a positive social and economic impact on our communities.”
Councillor Phil White, Cabinet Member for Communities at Bridgend County Borough Council said:
“I welcome the opportunity to improve the wellbeing of residents in Bridgend through these energy efficiency initiatives. Energy is now at the forefront of everyday living and utilising heat and renewable energy in homes also enables us to reduce our energy requirements and carbon footprint, therefore investment is vital to enable this to happen and we are committed to making it happen.”
Allen Jones, Energy Masterplanner, Newcastle City Council said:
“Heat is important to us all, so it is an important part of the service we would like to provide to our residents.”