Unlocking the potential of low carbon technologies (LCTs) and achieving Net Zero targets requires inspiring consumers’ confidence to install LCTs – whether it be in their homes or in their neighbourhoods.
Littlebury Energy Project is an initiative delivered by Saffron Walden Community Energy (SWCE) group in Uttlesford District, Essex. They wanted to explore how to decarbonise the whole village and transition from oil-based heating to clean, renewable energy. They understand that reaching net zero carbon emissions requires a huge change in how their energy is produced and distributed. This would include more localised energy generation and a far greater focus on energy efficiency.
In 2021, Littlebury Parish Council, along with Uttlesford District Council and Essex County Council expressed an interest in developing a Community Energy Plan to investigate this. Phase one was focused on data gathering including a detailed analysis of 10 to 15 homes of varying types with the parish, to understand what is needed to improve energy use. This led to the publishing of a decarbonisation plan that mapped out options for the village.
A key finding was that many homes could accommodate solar panels. However, they also identified that finding suitably knowledgeable suppliers and installers would be a barrier to work being done. The following Spring SWCE received £34,000 funding from Uttlesford District Council’s Zero Carbon Communities Fund to start putting what they learned into action and overcoming the barriers identified. They are already making use of thermal imaging and delivering home energy surveys because of this funding.
In March 2024, the team delivered an Eco Open Day and Open Homes Event providing over 100 visitors with information about renewable energy technologies and the chance to visit three open homes in the village. By working alongside Community Energy Pathways, they can begin to share their plan with the DNO network and infrastructure teams to ensure their energy needs can be supported through the energy transition to net zero.