UK Power Networks (UKPN) has selected Advanced Infrastructure to support the development of its Digital Local Area Energy Planning Tool.
The tool, which will support local authorities in the development of Local Area Energy plans (LAEPs), could provide a boost not only to the rollout of renewable technologies but additionally help UKPN better forecast and plan for network enhancements.
UKPN has previously supported local authorities such as Essex County Council and the Greater London Authority via its Open Data Portal. Current± previously reported in November 2022 that this would be achieved by providing 100 datasets to help local authorities take a data-driven, evidence-based approach to uncover the most cost-effective route for communities to reach net zero by 2050.
The new tool will support UKPN’s Collaborative Local Energy Optimisation (CLEO) project aiming to develop a digital local area energy planning (LAEP) tool that allows local authorities and their stakeholders to layer local inputs such as decarbonisation strategies and action plans, local market trends, social inclusion policies and transport plans upon UKPN’s existing network infrastructure data.
The project could be a major stepping stone for local projects to connect low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure and more. For the project, UKPN has introduced a cloud-based tool that will build upon Advanced Infrastructure’s existing LAEP+ software.
Via the use of the technology, local authorities are able to evaluate different approaches to deploying low-carbon technologies via digital and geo-spatial modelling. The tool will be capable of visualising data and optimising the deployment of technologies to maximise social benefits, carbon reduction and renewable generation, UKPN said.
“We are setting out to help local authorities with tools, people and data they need to turn their Net Zero ambitions into a reality. We’re excited to be working with Advanced Infrastructure and the local authorities we serve to build a service that’s simple to use and delivers genuinely useful outputs,” said Lynne McDonald, head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks.