Phase 4: Local and Regional Energy Systems
Many future energy scenarios predict a clean energy system with a high proportion of decentralised energy.
Despite the UK’s historical emphasis on centralisation, locally-integrated multi-vector systems, diverse business structures with local ownership, and participatory democratic control are anticipated to increase.
This theme will explore the socio-technical parameters and potentials of this challenge, with the aim to turn them into substantive developments that serve local and whole system goals.
This study analysed uncertainties around the uptake of low carbon technologies (LCTs) across the British electricity distribution networks and how they are being managed within the existing regulatory framework known as RIIO-ED2.
In this paper, UKERC researchers frame local and regional energy systems as experimental spaces for the introduction of new technologies and processes.
This article explores the interplay between Strategic Action Fields (SAFs) and institutional work to understand how actors influence policy regarding integrated local energy systems, which combine heat, power, and mobility. The research highlights the significant barriers to sustainable energy SAFs due to government power and governance limitations, raising doubts about achieving net zero under existing governance structures.
UKERC welcomes this inquiry and the UK government’s ambition to achieve clean power by 2030,...
This blog summarises a synthesis paper based on research completed in the UKERC Local and Regional...
The UK targets decarbonising its power sector by 2035, dealing with rising electricity demand from...