Energy
To limit the impact of climate change, we are committed to the UK government's goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions. As a result, we are exploring a number of clean energy projects throughout Norfolk. We have responded to a range of consultations proposing changes to the energy network, highlighting the need to:
- Minimise the negative impacts on Norfolk's environments and communities
- Take full advantage of the benefits to Norfolk's economy
Our environmental policy describes how we are working towards providing an enhanced environment and quality of life for Norfolk. It acts as the framework for how we are working towards going carbon neutral by 2030. The Climate Strategy sets out the strategic priorities relating to energy including the aim to develop an energy strategy, support national decarbonisation and expansion of renewable energy and supporting the Offshore Transmission Network.
Norfolk Local Energy Asset Representation
Norfolk County Council has been working with the Energy Systems Catapult to produce the Norfolk Local Energy Asset Representation (LEAR). The Norfolk LEAR provides a data foundation for developing the most appropriate pathway to net zero providing the robust evidence base that will guide the County Council and partners towards which clean energy opportunities are the most effective for our area.
The Norfolk LEAR provides a review of building stock, energy demands, energy networks, embedded generation, domestic and public electric vehicle charging and social data and has already highlighted potential opportunities across the County:
- Decarbonising dwelling off the gas network in Great Yarmouth
- The off-street electric vehicle potential across Norwich and aligning charging solutions in Great Yarmouth
- Concentration of dwellings suitable for solar panels in South Norfolk with an example of 464 dwellings that could generate 1,705KW of energy
The Norfolk LEAR is the first step towards developing a net zero pathway and can be taken forward in a number of ways. Norfolk County Council will work with the Norfolk Climate Change Partnership to consider how a sustainable energy plan can be developed for the benefit of Norfolk.
Download a copy of the Norfolk LEAR (PDF) [7MB]. For any further information contact infrastructure@norfolk.gov.uk.
Co-ordination of offshore and onshore transmission
The UK government is currently in the process of undertaking an offshore transmission network review. Offshore wind is expected to play an important role in delivering net zero. This review will look at finding a more efficient way to connect offshore windfarms, to minimise the numbers of cables and substations needed.
Contracts for Difference scheme
The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme supports low carbon and renewable electricity generation. CfDs act to encourage investment in renewable energy projects by providing developers with high upfront costs, and protection from high prices. In 2020 the government ran a series of consultations on the CfD process, covering:
- Economic development
- Skills development
- Community benefits
Consultation responses
The County Council has responded to the
- Offshore Coordination Project - Consultation by National Grid Electricity System Operator
- Changes intended to bring about greater coordination in the development of offshore energy networks - Consultation by OFGEM
- Planning for new energy infrastructure: review of energy National Policy Statements - Consultation by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
If you would like to see our responses to these consultations, please email infrastructure@norfolk.gov.uk to request a copy.
Energy projects in Norfolk
Find out more about the energy projects happening around Norfolk on our Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in Norfolk page