Transforming Utilities
In early 2010, Cambridgeshire Horizons ran a series of three workshops on the theme of 'Transforming Utilities - getting to yes', as part of its Quality Charter training programme. The aim of these workshops was to provide local authorities with an understanding of how to obtain renewable energy solutions for new developments in Cambridgeshire.
The delegates included senior officers from Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The first workshop took place at the Creative Exchange in St Neots on the 27th January 2010, followed by a second workshop at the Orchard Park Community Centre on the 25th February 2010, and finally the last workshop at the Smart Life Centre at the Cambridge Regional College on the 29th March 2010.
Over the three workshops, presentations and discussions were led by Dr Nicholas Falk and Nick Dodd (URBED), James Beal and Nigel Dent (Renewables East) and Michael King (Combined Heat & Power Association and Chairman of the Aberdeen Heat & Power Company).
A key area of discussion focussed on how the energy infrastructure needs for new developments at St. Neots, north west Cambridge and Northstowe, and a proposed combined heat and power scheme (CHP) for Anglia Ruskin University and Parkside Pool in Cambridge had been identified, and the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI).
The LCDI can help local authorities to deliver low carbon energy schemes in their local area, by working with Renewables East to minimise the risks to private investors who wish to invest in renewable energy by turning general policies into fundable projects.
The workshops successfully raised awareness of what is required from local authorities to deliver low carbon energy infrastructure in terms of finance, legal services, logistical and planning considerations. The workshops have enhanced local authorities' ability to negotiate over energy infrastructure with private landowners, developers and utility companies, whilst also sharing knowledge on the progress that is being made on projects across Cambridgeshire. They also showed that there is a great opportunity for partnership working to attract investment for renewable energy in Cambridgeshire.