Dundee Local Area Energy Plan to be discussed by councillors

The document sets out a vision of what a net zero carbon energy system could look like for Dundee and what actions could be taken to support the city in delivering its 2045 net-zero target.

The Dundee LAEP tests a series of potential scenarios and then makes a recommendation of a prioritised scenario to achieve the transformation necessary to decarbonise Dundee’s local energy system.

The LAEP then focuses on five priority intervention themes to be adopted for the city, including improving energy efficiency, decarbonising heat, maximising rooftop PV and storage, ensuring network resilience through flexibility measures, and reducing & decarbonising transport.

Dundee’s LAEP has been developed through active involvement with a range of stakeholders in the local energy system. These include Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs), housing providers and associations, charities and non-profits focused on energy issues, energy providers, NHS Tayside, and local cultural & educational institutions.

Climate, environment & biodiversity committee convener, Councillor Heather Anderson, said: “Working collaboratively with key employers and stakeholders across the city, we are one of the first local authorities in Scotland to produce a Local Area Energy Plan.

“This Plan tells us exactly what we have to do to transform our city’s energy, heat and transport demands if we are to achieve the target of net zero by 2045. It gives us a route map, identifying the investment required in our domestic homes and public and commercial buildings to reduce energy demand and switch from 87% of Dundee homes relying on the gas network.

“The good news is that, as well as creating warmer homes, potentially reducing energy costs and providing cleaner transport, the Plan will help us to identify the scale of new jobs and apprenticeships this transformation could bring to the city over the next 20 years.”

Fair Work, economic growth & infrastructure convener, Councillor Steven Rome, added: “Achieving net zero for any city is a large and complex task which requires a collaborative effort from all of its stakeholders.

“Dundee is in a very good position to progress these goals with the Local Area Energy Plan aligning with city-wide aims of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring a cleaner, greener Dundee for all.”

The Plan integrates outputs from Dundee’s statutory Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and encompasses broader elements such as power and transport, energy distribution systems, and storage.

If approved, the Dundee Climate Leadership Group, a citywide partnership which provides active leadership on Dundee’s net-zero challenge, will have authority over the LAEP programme.

The Dundee Local Area Energy Plan will go to the next Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Committee which takes place on Monday 23rd September 2024.