Event to address key challenges in local area energy planning, grid infrastructure and community engagement.
Keynote speakers from Westminster, local government and industry leaders.
Summit acts as the launch event for UK100’s new “Local Net Zero 2.0: The Moment To Deliver” report.
LONDON, 13 October 2024 — As the new government approaches its symbolic 100th day in office, local leaders from across the UK are set to gather for a crucial summit aimed at powering up Britain's ambitious clean energy superpower mission.
The summit features keynote speakers Tom Hayes MP, National Mission Champion for Energy; Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy; and Emma Pinchbeck, who has just been announced as the new Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee.
The Local Leaders: Clean Energy Superpower Summit, taking place at County Hall, London on 15 October 2024, will serve as the launch event for UK100's flagship "Local Net Zero 2.0: The Moment To Deliver" report.
The new report highlights daunting energy challenges facing Britain: electricity demand set to surge 64% by 2035, a need to triple onshore wind and quintuple solar capacity, and renewable projects facing up to 15-year grid connection delays. The findings underscore the urgent need for local-national collaboration, which the summit aims to address.
Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, says:
“Before the national grid, local authorities alongside private companies helped roll out electricity supply in our cities, towns and villages almost a century ago. Over the decades, their role diminished, but now is the time for them to once again power up and help deliver the Clean Energy Superpower mission.”
The summit aims to spotlight the pivotal role of local leadership in overcoming hurdles to achieving Britain's national clean energy ambitions. The event will focus on four key areas crucial to accelerating the clean energy transition:
- Implementing nationwide Local Area Energy Planning
- Accelerating renewable energy growth by addressing planning barriers
- Prioritising local engagement and community benefit in clean energy projects
- Investing in a smarter, decentralised grid
Tom Hayes MP says:
"As a former local climate leader, I've seen firsthand how crucial local authorities are in delivering the clean energy transition. Our ambitious goal to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 will be delivered faster and more successfully if we do it hand-in-hand with local leaders. They have the on-the-ground knowledge and community relationships needed to drive rapid change."
Mete Coban adds:
"I am proud that London is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, driving innovation to deliver on ambitious targets. This summit is a crucial opportunity to share expertise, align strategies, and amplify our collective impact."
Hammond concludes:
“Our summit highlights the pivotal role local leadership has in realising our national ambitions. Our network is calling for a robust national framework for Local Area Energy Plans, backed by dedicated funding from Great British Energy. The removal of planning barriers for renewables and new technologies. A collaborative grid expansion plan that puts local community benefits at the heart of the energy transition. By taking these steps, we’ll be on the way to accelerate clean energy deployment, boost energy security, and unlock economic growth across the UK.”
The summit will also see the launch of UK100 and Involve UK’s new “Inclusive Climate Action: A Toolkit for Effective Public Engagement in Decision-Making” report on public engagement in climate action. A key panel, "Rules of Engagement: How to Engage Communities on Renewable Energy Projects", will explore effective strategies for involving local communities in the clean energy transition.
Steph Draper, Director of Innovation and Practice at Involve UK, says:
"Effective public engagement is critical to accelerating the rollout of clean energy at the local level. This summit is an excellent opportunity to showcase our new Inclusive Climate Action toolkit, which equips local leaders with practical strategies to bring communities into the heart of decision-making on renewable projects. Our research shows that when done well, participatory approaches not only lead to better clean energy outcomes but also empower residents to become active partners in the transition."
This summit marks a pivotal moment in Britain's clean energy journey. By harnessing local leadership and community engagement, it aims to unlock innovative solutions that could accelerate the nation's transition to clean energy while ensuring benefits are felt across the country. The partnerships forged could lay the foundation for Britain's success as a clean energy superpower, built on local-national collaboration.
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Notes to the editors
Full lineup and agenda:
- Tom Hayes MP, Bournemouth East and National Mission Champion for Energy
- Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy
- Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council and Chair of London Councils
- Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee
- Cllr Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council
- Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100
- Philip Glanville, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, UK100
- Steph Draper, Director of Innovation and Practice at Involve UK
- Janine Micheal, Chief Executive at Centre for Sustainable Energy
- Duncan Law, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Community Energy England
- Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader, Leeds City Council
- Hugh Goulbourne, Director at CO2Sense
- Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero for UK Power Networks DSO
- Christopher Morris, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Sustainable Ventures
The Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP has been invited to speak. UK100 is still working with the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero to secure a Minister.
Panel Chairs:
- Rob Horgan, News Editor of Utility Week
- Megan Kenyon, Policy Correspondent at New Statesman
Agenda Highlights:
10:00 - 10:30: Registration and introductions
10:30 - 11:15: Opening keynote session
11:30 - 12:25: Panel: Rules of Engagement: How to Engage Communities on Renewable Energy Projects
12:30 - 13:10: Panel: Laying the Groundwork for Sustainable Growth: How to Build a Net Zero Grid from Neighbourhoods to Nations
13:15 - 14:00: Networking and refreshments
The summit is brought to you in association with UK100’s summit partners Utility Week (media partners), Sustainable Ventures (venue partners), UK Power Networks DSO, CO2Sense, Thrive Renewables and Battery Box by AMP Clean Energy.
Full quotes from speakers and partners
Tom Hayes, Bournemouth East MP and National Mission Champion for Energy says:
"As a former local climate leader, I've seen firsthand how crucial local authorities are in delivering the clean energy transition. Our ambitious goal to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 will be delivered faster and more successfully if we do it hand-in-hand with local leaders. They have the on-the-ground knowledge and community relationships needed to drive rapid change. We have a vital opportunity to ensure national ambitions and local delivery are fully aligned. I look forward to working with local and national government to unlock the collaboration necessary to accelerate the rollout of renewables, retrofit homes at scale, and create good future-proof jobs in every corner of the country."
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, says:
"I am proud that London is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, driving innovation to deliver on ambitious targets. However, we will always share ideas and ambition with other local leaders, in the UK and beyond. That is why I am excited to be part of UK100's summit to share expertise, align strategies, and amplify our collective impact."
Janine Michael, Chief Executive of Centre of Sustainable Energy, says:
"Local leaders are pivotal in delivering the clean energy revolution. As we accelerate towards net zero, we must ensure the transition is both rapid and fair. At CSE, we're committed to supporting councils in developing local energy plans that engage communities deliberatively, trusting and supporting them to develop and agree effective place-based net zero solutions. This summit is a crucial opportunity to share best practices and forge partnerships recognising that local support and action is essential if we are to make Britain a clean energy superpower benefiting all communities."
Steph Draper, Director of Innovation and Practice at Involve UK, says:
"Effective public engagement is critical to accelerating the rollout of clean energy at the local level. This summit is an excellent opportunity to showcase our new Inclusive Climate Action toolkit, which equips local leaders with practical strategies to bring communities into the heart of decision-making on renewable projects. Our research shows that when done well, participatory approaches not only lead to better clean energy outcomes but also empower residents to become active partners in the transition. By fostering meaningful dialogue, councils can build trust, tap into local knowledge, and develop renewable solutions that truly work for their areas. Community engagement must be at the heart of our mission to becoming an energy superpower."
Rob Horgan, News Editor of Utility Week, says:
"As champions of local area energy planning, Utility Week is proud to partner with UK100 on this crucial summit. The energy transition demands a collaborative approach that accounts for the unique needs of each community. This event brings together key stakeholders from national government, local authorities, and industry to align strategies and accelerate progress. Local area energy plans are vital tools for mapping out decarbonisation pathways, optimising infrastructure investments, and ensuring no community is left behind. By fostering dialogue between decision-makers at all levels, this summit can help unlock the full potential of local leadership in building a resilient, clean energy future for Britain."
Cllr Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, says:
"Southampton is proudly committed to playing its role in making Britain a clean energy superpower. But we can't do it alone. UK100's summit is crucial for aligning local ambition with national policy. We're ready to develop comprehensive energy plans and accelerate renewable projects, but we need national government to empower us to go further and faster. This summit is about turning shared vision into reality - and ensuring the benefits of becoming a clean energy superpower are felt in every community. Southampton is eager to play its part."
Ben Wallace, Head of Development at Battery Box by AMP Clean Energy, says:
“Battery Box is excited to partner with UK100 again to develop its work with local authorities in bringing distributed energy storage to sites across the country. Each project on local authority land generates revenue for councils, while saving carbon and ensuring our local electricity networks are ready for the net zero transition.”
Hugh Goulbourne, Director at CO2Sense CIC, says:
"At CO2Sense we’re passionate about helping local communities turn their energy plans into investable and impactful projects. Local power generation is one of the Government’s priorities for GB Energy and so this is an exciting time to be joining local authority leaders at the UK100 summit to push forward our local-national collaborations."
Matthew Clayton, Managing Director of Thrive Renewables, says:
“To achieve net zero, we must take people along on the journey with us and collaboration between the public and private sector is essential if we’re to overcome the barriers to progress and deliver the scale of transition required. Thrive funds, builds and operates clean energy projects across the UK, as well as supports communities and businesses to take direct action in the energy transition through local ownership and direct wire renewable projects. As proud supporters of the UK100 Clean Energy Summit, we recognise the important role local government plays in building a clean energy system that prioritises both people and planet. We look forward to an inspiring, insightful event as the UK works to achieve ambitious climate goals.”
Christopher Morris, Co-Founder and COO at Sustainable Ventures, says:
“Sustainable Ventures are delighted to have partnered with UK100 to host the Local Leaders Clean Energy Superpower Summit. Delivering on our new government’s ambitious Climate and Sustainability objectives will require rapid and effective collaboration across the public-private divide on a scale never seen before, and the role of local government cannot be underestimated.”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council says:
"Leeds is leading the way in clean energy transition, with ambitious plans to become a net zero city by 2030. Our Net Zero Homes Plan is a blueprint for making every home in Leeds cleaner, healthier, and more affordable to heat. We're investing in large-scale retrofitting, innovative financing solutions, and cutting-edge technologies like ground source heat pumps. But we can't do this alone. UK100's summit is crucial for connecting local and national government and the energy sector. By working together, we can accelerate the rollout of clean energy infrastructure, create good jobs, and build a more prosperous future for all our residents."
Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, says:
“Before the national grid, local authorities alongside private companies helped roll out electricity supply in our cities, towns and villages almost a century ago. Over the decades, their role diminished, but now is the time for them to once again power up and help deliver the Clean Energy Superpower mission. Our summit highlights the pivotal role local leadership has in realising our national ambitions. Our network is calling for a robust national framework for Local Area Energy Plans, backed by dedicated funding from Great British Energy. The removal of planning barriers for renewables and new technologies. A collaborative grid expansion plan that puts local community benefits at the heart of the energy transition. By taking these steps, we’ll be on the way to accelerate clean energy deployment, boost energy security, and unlock economic growth across the UK.”
About UK100
UK100’s primary purpose is to support a local-led rapid transition to Net Zero and Clean Air. We do this through collaboration.
To accelerate action, we believe in bringing together the most influential leaders across the country to learn together and agree on priorities for legislative and regulatory change while empowering them to engage with national decision-makers.
We provide our network with the knowledge, tools and connections to make this happen.
More information: Liam Ward, UK100, media@uk100.org.