Transitioning Coventry to Net Zero by 2050
The Coventry Energy Plan has been developed to help steer the direction of the partnership and to identify energy projects. It is a strategic long term energy vision for Coventry giving a detailed understanding of the energy challenges and opportunities looking to the next 15 years (from October 2024) and beyond.
A proposed pipeline of commercially viable and technically feasible energy projects have been identified, with a focus on heat decarbonisation for homes and businesses, retrofit of homes and SMEs, electric vehicle charging and renewable and low carbon energy generation. The Coventry Energy Plan provides a prioritised approach to SEP activity that will make the biggest impact in Coventry.
Cities across the UK are facing a significant challenge in their journey to Net Zero. In response to this challenge and as part of the city's Climate Change Strategy, Coventry City Council appointed E.ON as its Strategic Energy Partner in 2023 to work together to achieve the city's energy goals over a 15 year period - Coventry is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, with an interim target of 68% reduction by 2030. According to the Net Zero Routemap projection leading to 2038, nearly a quarter of the city's emissions could be reduced through the Coventry Energy Plan's proposed initiatives.
Coventry Energy Plan - challenges and opportunities
The Coventry Energy Plan has identified a number of challenges and opportunities for the city and these are split into:
Gas heating - Coventry's energy mix is predominantly gas at 67% and primarily in domestic use. Emissions from gas-powered heating doesn't resolve itself without intentional action.
- This presents a great opportunity for the introduction of gas boiler alternatives and other sustainable heating solutions in the city.
- A significant proportion of the city's population rent their home or commercial unit (43% residential & 50% commercial). The SEP is committed to landlord relationship development to encourage alternative heating solutions in these buildings.
- The diverse building types that form Coventry's housing stock demand tailored solutions and economical propositions.
Transport - Transport is one of the biggest single sources of emissions in the city, 27%. Tackling the challenge of green transport systems and alternative mobility solutions is key to make a positive impact on carbon emissions in the city.
- Support electric transit options.
- Support Electric Vehicle (EV) charger installation.
- The SEP can facilitate clean energy supply to support the demands of the transport sector.
- Holistic solutions to decarbonise the Council's vehicle fleet.
- With electric vehicles being a part of a larger puzzle, a wider transport strategy is being explored for the city - a link will be posted once this document has been drafted.
Culture and behaviour - A shift in thinking and behaviour is needed to make new energy work.
- Businesses and residents would be supported with initiatives to help them with the transition to cleaner and greener technology.
- Inflation, high cost of living and increasing business overheads means limited availability of disposable funds that could be invested in sustainable solutions.
- The SEP has an opportunity to improve the uptake of sustainable solutions among residents and businesses.
- The SEP will innovate and pilot new propositions that will help drive change in the city.
The solution for Coventry
The SEP is uniquely positioned to provide solutions, and by the nature of its public-private structure and operational expertise, to provide solutions and delivery mechanisms to help meet these challenges and include:
- Community Benefit - creating jobs through local supply chains. Helping local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions. Employability, training initiatives, reskilling. Community initiatives.
- Environment - reducing carbon emissions will help businesses meet sustainability targets, access investment and created environment for business opportunities. Cleaner air, warmer homes and healthier environments to live in.
- Investment - Not all the investment will be through the SEP but it will create an enabling environment which maximises the opportunity for investment.