Green light for regional net-zero energy plan
A wide-ranging plan to deliver net-zero improvements in energy and heating systems across Stirling and Clackmannanshire has been approved.
The Regional Energy Masterplan, developed jointly by Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, maps out a route to reaching a net-zero energy system across the region within measured time periods, considering the region’s energy use and needs. It includes a delivery plan, split into five-year phases, that outlines proposed projects, associated costs and CO2 reductions.
The Regional Energy Masterplan is a key part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £214 million partnership between both Local Authorities, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments.
It has been shaped through engagement with key stakeholders, local communities, businesses and the public, and lays out a route to net-zero using four key levers:
Energy Efficiency – reducing energy use and heat demand, primarily through building improvements.
Heat Management – decarbonising heating systems through renewable technologies and opportunities for localised heat networks.
Energy Generation – generating new renewable electricity to support the development of decarbonised heat and local energy solutions.
Sequestration – removing residual emissions through the restoration of nature, primarily woodlands though the likes of tree planting schemes.
The approval of the masterplan also fulfils a Scottish Government requirement for Scottish local authorities to publish a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and delivery plan.