Wiltshire draft climate strategy 2022-2027. August 2021

At present the grid supplies energy on demand. Once transport and heating are electrified, there will be a much greater demand. In order to manage this a flexible and 'smart' grid will be needed. Energy consumption will also need to be reduced wherever possible.

While progress has been made on decarbonising electricity by using renewable energy to power the grid, the decarbonisation of heat remains a significant challenge and potential opportunity. As we change the fuels that we use for heating, skills and supply chains will also need to adapt to provide non-fossil fuel alternatives.

Objectives

• Existing energy use within Wiltshire to be reduced to allow for decarbonisation
• Heat and electricity to be decarbonised (moving from fossil fuels to alternatives)

Our areas of focus

Wiltshire Council will:

! Install renewables and alternative technologies on council property where appropriate

! Carry out a Wiltshire-wide assessment of the potential for renewable energy production using a range of technologies

Using our influence and partnerships we will:

! Promote the benefits of green energy tariffs to residents and partners while also encouraging energy reduction

• Raise awareness of the need to start with energy reduction, and the role of flexibility and the smart-grid, to guide changes in behaviour
• Increase renewable electricity generation (and associated technologies such as storage) within Wiltshire by working in partnership with others, including community energy groups. The need for energy generation must be balanced against other land uses and this will be reviewed
• Continue to work with partners to look at the future of the grid and alternative, new and emerging technologies

Future technology mix

Future energy scenarios by the National Grid and the 10 Point Plan by central government both show technologies currently only at trial stage playing a large role in the move to net zero. Research by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows existing technologies being key until 2030 with the emerging technologies starting at pace after 2030.

Using smart technology to balance demand will reduce peak energy requirement.

One thing you can do: switching to a green energy provider can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.