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.
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, it will be republished in parallel with the launch of the region's Climate Change Programme of Action later in 2008.
The Energy Strategy is built around the Energy Hierarchy:
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reduce use of energy
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use energy more efficiently
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move to energy from renewable sources
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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
East Midlands Woodfuel Co-ordinator
Will Rolls is the East Midlands Woodfuel Co-ordinator and is hosted by the Forestry Commission. We work closely with the co-ordinator to raise regional awareness of the opportunities and social, economic and environmental benefits around woodfuel.
Contact: william.rolls@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01623 821 454
Bioenergy
We are a member of the East Midlands Bioenergy Group, supported by the Regional Woodfuel Co-ordinator and chaired by the Forestry Commission. In collaboration, partners from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors within the East Midlands work collectively to seek ways to increase the use of locally grown biomass for the creation of heat and energy.
More information: Bio Energy Group 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.
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.
Energy White Paper
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 paper focuses on greater energy efficiency, low carbon and secure energy supplies. You can view the Energy White Paper here.
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 Savings Trust
The Energy Savings Trust is a non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice to householders. The Green Homes project was launched in April 2008 and provides a single contact point where people can access information on energy saving, domestic renewables, personal transport, water and waste.
Contact: Tel: 0800 512 012
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
BERR's renewables website provides information about renewable energy and the different renewable energy technologies, the UK Government policy and the Renewables Obligation. It also includes details on UK planning policy and processes, and the various financial support programmes including investing in renewables technologies.
The Renewable Energy Strategy Consultation can be found at http://www.renewableconsultation.berr.gov.uk
Energy Technologies Institute
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) speeds up the deployment of new low-carbon energy technologies, including the efficient production and use of energy, in support of the UK’s energy and climate change goals. It will also increase funding and provide a national strategic focus for research and development in this area and promote international technology collaboration.
Jointly funded by Government and industry, the ETI brings together some of the world’s biggest companies – BP, Caterpillar, EDF Energy, E.ON UK, Rolls-Royce and Shell. Their funding contribution, along with that of the Government, provides the Institute with a potential budget of more than £600m over 10 years. The involvement of other private companies could boost the cash pot up to £1bn.
In September 2007 the Midlands Consortium (comprising of the universities of Nottingham, Loughborough and Birmingham) was awarded the Energy Technology Institute prize.
