Following the launch of the Sussex Energy mission on 16th July here is an update on what has happened since, along with some energy news to keep on your radar.
The Mission
Sussex Energy aims for Sussex to achieve net zero energy status by 2040, enhancing energy security, driving down energy bills and addressing urgent climate concerns, at the same time as driving economic growth. Energy demand is currently more than 14 times greater than zero carbon energy supply in Sussex.
The approach is to be a catalyst for ongoing, low carbon energy work by:
- Convening people to gain efficiencies from sharing knowledge, experience and future endeavours.
- Being a single voice to tackle common challenges.
- Telling the big story of Sussex Energy to get the area known for its great work in the energy space.
- Attracting funding.
- Strategically plan scaled solutions to address the gap between zero carbon energy supply and energy demand.
Update
Awareness and relationships have been actively built, for example with the following organisations:
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Local authorities (districts, boroughs and counties)
- NHS Sussex
- Rampion windfarm
- Community Energy Organisations
- Other support organisations e.g. Greater South East Net Zero Hub, UKPN.
Meetings have been held to discuss funding and capacity. The following are key takeaways:
- Identifying and securing diverse funding sources is important. I.e. public, private, community, explore monetising energy solutions.
- Procurement is powerful and should be used as a lever (e.g. for shaping the market, developing supply chains & skills, etc).
- The core capacity structure needed to drive Sussex Energy forward:
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- Network of collaborators of sustainability experts to shape the direction.
- Core team (funding needed to establish this) – Technical expertise, economic expertise and community energy organisation expertise needed to do feasibility work, project selection/development, etc.
- Thematic working groups (energy production, energy demand reduction, skills and jobs) to provide expertise.
An update on Sussex Energy was provided to the Board in the October meeting and was received positively.
Next Steps
- Formalise a regular meeting of Sussex Energy network of collaborators.
- Use network of collaborators to shape bid for funding for core team including a financial contribution from GBEB to strengthen it.
- Create Sussex Energy roadmap.
Energy News
Greater South East Net Zero Hub Investment Readiness Service Grant (IRS) Launched
IRS was launched on Thurs 7th Nov (closing date for applications is 20th Dec). It’s a £750,000 pot where public sector organisations, who are engaged with our Net Zero Capacity Support service, can be awarded up to £75,000 to support project development costs.
The launch webinar included more information about the grant and application process.
You can:
A Q&A session will be held on Teams 1-2pm on 27th Nov, register here.
If you have questions, or would like to get involved with our Net Zero Capacity Support service to be eligible, please contact irs@gsenetzerohub.org.uk or kirsten.firth@gsenetzerohub.org.uk.
Brighton & Hove City Council: Decarbonisation Pathways Report Launch
Tim Rowkins, Cabinet Lead for Net Zero and Environmental Services on Brighton and Hove City Council, will give a keynote address on the City’s Net Zero ambition, and launch the City’s study on Decarbonisation Pathways.
6pm Monday 2nd December, Main Meeting Room, Brighton Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF. Free Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1065203344879.
Great British Energy met with Community Energy Organisations, UK Power Networks and Local Authorities in Lewes as part of GB Energy Local Power Plan Development Work
Ollie Pendered from Community Energy South organised Deputy Director from Great British Energy and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Ruth Harriford, to visit Lewes Energy and Climate Hub.
She met with Community Energy Organisations (Ovesco, Brighton Energy Coop, Bhesco, Energise Sussex Coast, South East London Community Energy, Xero Guildford), UK Power Networks, Local Authorities (Adur, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, Hastings, Lewes, Wealden and Worthing), Greater South East Net Zero Hub and Community Energy England to better understand the capabilities and challenges for the sector, as part of their work to develop GB Energy’s Local Power Plan. One talking point was the recognition that, if organisations work independently, there is a limit on what can be done to decarbonise energy, but working together allows the ambition to be scaled up. Sussex Energy was called out as the mission to bring everyone together to enable scaling.
Low carbon venture in the green economy, providing a way to dispose of green waste and get biochar, energy and carbon dioxide as products
With their consortium partners, Bluebox Energy and Woodtek Engineering, Ricardo has designed, installed and is now operating a combined heat and power demonstrator plant at Holmsted Farm, West Sussex, which is fed by sustainable wood waste to continuously supply clean energy, heat, food-grade carbon dioxide and biochar.