Power and heat includes emissions resulting from using electricity and providing heat to buildings. Nationally, emissions from power generation have continued to fall as the percentage of renewable energy contributing to the national grid increases. In 2019, renewable energy provided 26.5% of the power consumed in the UK.
The decarbonisation of heat continues to be a crucial factor in reducing emissions. Our reliance on gas boilers and inefficient electric heating to provide warmth to buildings needs to significantly shift if we are to reach net zero and represents one of the key challenges for the 'transition phase' of the Climate Emergency response from 2021, raising significant long-term resourcing issues.
2.46 - Develop the city's biggest community owned solar farm in partnership with Plymouth Energy Community.
2.47 - Submit funding applications, including to SALIX, to support the development and delivery of Plymouth's Low Carbon Heat Network.
2.48 - Work in partnership with University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth Marjon University, the Plymouth Housing Development Partnership and Plymouth Combined Courts to develop business cases to secure funding for district energy networks at Derriford, Barne Barton and the City Centre.
2.49 - Secure funding from Western Power to identify how the transition to low carbon heating will impact the capacity of the city’s electricity grid.
2.50 - Complete a feasibility study on the potential for low carbon heat networks, heat pumps and hybrid boilers, including identifying current potential funding models and barriers to uptake.
2.51 - Submit consultation responses and lobby government to expand the support available through the Green Heat Networks Fund and other support for Heat Pump roll out.
2.52 - Explore potential for utilisation of seawater in the City Centre and Millbay for heating or cooling solutions.
2.53 - Hold a Hydrogen Technology Summit with interested stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges of delivering land and maritime applications for hydrogen generation, supply and use for motorised transport in Plymouth with a view to producing a feasibility report by December 2021.