Energy Planning Group
The Devon Energy Planning Group brings together local authorities, energy specialists, network operators and delivery partners to coordinate how Devon plans for a low carbon energy future. It also works with the South West Net-Zero Hub and other local authorities across the region, including Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, to share evidence, learn from good practice and strengthen local energy planning.
Devon is facing a major shift in how energy is produced and used. Electricity demand is expected to increase significantly as we move to electric vehicles, low carbon heating and a more resilient, modern economy. At the same time, much more renewable energy generation will be needed across the county.
The group’s role is to make sure Devon is ready for this transition. We work together to:
- Plan how and where new energy infrastructure should be developed
- Ensure the electricity network can support future demand
- Align local activity with regional and national energy planning, including the emerging Regional Energy Strategic Plan
- Represent Devon’s needs to national bodies such as the National Energy System Operator and National Grid
We also oversee the development of Devon’s local energy planning approach, ensuring that decisions taken now support long term delivery of a reliable, affordable and low carbon energy system.
Purpose
The group was formed in June 2023. Its purpose is to ensure Devon’s future energy needs to achieve net-zero will be met, as well as the area’s ambition to be a clean energy exporter, whilst reflecting the Devon Carbon Plan’s principles to ensure this transition is cost effective, fair and involves communities.
Aim
To lead the planning for the most effective route for Devon’s energy system (heat, power and transport) to maximise its contribution towards improving energy security and meeting the national net zero target, as well as achieving the interim target of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2010 levels by 2030.
The Devon Carbon Plan sets out that this will require consideration of:
- Using less energy. We need to reduce demand for energy and use energy as efficiently as possible to minimise the need for new generating capacity.
- Transitioning to renewables. The energy used needs to be from renewable sources.
- Increasing flexibility and storage. We need to store energy and use it more flexibly.
Objectives
A. Prepare a fully costed and spatial master-plan that identifies the change needed to the local energy system and built environment, detailing ‘what, where and when and by whom’.
B. Identify near-term actions and projects to provide stakeholders with a basis for taking forward activity and prioritising investments and action.
C. Engage stakeholders meaningfully in the preparation of the master-plan.
Communications
The minutes of the Net-Zero Task Force will be published on the project website following their sign-off.
Membership
- All upper and lower tier local authorities in Devon
- Dartmoor National Park Authority
- Exmoor National Park Authority
- Devon Association of Local Councils
- Public Health Devon
- Devon Energy Collective
- Wales and West Utilities
- National Grid – Distribution System Operator
- National Grid – Energy System Operator
- Heart of the South West LEP
- South West Net-Zero Hub
- University of Exeter
- University of Plymouth
Chairperson
The Chair of the Group will be appointed by its members. The initial chairing organisation is Devon County Council. The Group will re-elect the chair every 24 months. The Chair can serve multiple terms.
Decisions
The group will seek to make decision by consensus. If necessary, decisions can be taken by a majority vote, with the chair holding an additional casting vote.
Resources
Financial and in-kind resources to achieve the objectives are to be sought from the members and grant funding.
Secretariat
Devon County Council’s Environment Group will provide the secretariat function to take minutes, arrange meetings and progress the early stages of the project.
Current Activity
Our current work focuses on turning long term energy ambition into clear priorities and practical action.
Key areas of activity include:
Developing Devon’s local energy plan
The group has established a Forward Plan that acts as Devon’s local energy plan. This has been informed by collaborative work facilitated by the South West Net-Zero Hub with Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, creating a shared evidence base covering current energy use, local resources, and the barriers and opportunities to delivery.
Increasing renewable energy generation
Supporting the growth of renewable energy across Devon, with a particular focus on increasing onshore wind, alongside solar and energy storage, in response to national targets for clean power.
Shaping grid investment and capacity
Working closely with the National Energy System Operator and National Grid to ensure Devon’s future energy needs are reflected in plans for network investment, including through the Regional Energy Strategic Plan.
Shaping grid investment and capacity
Working closely with the National Energy System Operator and National Grid to ensure Devon’s future energy needs are reflected in plans for network investment, including through the Regional Energy Strategic Plan.
Increasing renewable energy generation
Supporting the growth of renewable energy across Devon, with a particular focus on increasing onshore wind, alongside solar and energy storage, in response to national targets for clean power.
Reducing energy demand through retrofit
Supporting the development of large scale building retrofit programmes to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and make homes more affordable to heat.
Responding to national energy reforms
Engaging with major changes such as Clean Power 2030 and reforms to the electricity connections system, helping partners understand what they mean for Devon and where opportunities exist.
Building a strong shared evidence base
Continuing to improve data and insight on energy supply, demand and future scenarios, so that decisions are based on clear and consistent evidence.
Through this work, the group is helping Devon prepare for a future energy system that is cleaner, more secure and capable of supporting economic growth.
Outputs from our regional collaboration
The Devon Energy Planning Group has worked with the South West Net-Zero Hub and partner local authorities in Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to develop a shared approach to local energy planning.
This collaboration has produced a set of evidence-based outputs that help Devon and neighbouring areas understand their current energy systems, identify future opportunities, and plan practical action. These outputs are being used to support Devon’s forward plan, which currently acts as the county’s local energy plan.
Key outputs are:
- Baseline energy analysis
A report and Data sets providing a clearer picture of current energy demand, generation, infrastructure and emissions, helping partners understand where Devon is starting from. This includes an interactive map. - Priority local actions
A Forward Plan of practical actions to help increase renewable energy generation, strengthen engagement with network operators, support retrofit and maintain momentum beyond national and regional planning processes.
These outputs provide a strong foundation for Devon’s energy planning work and help ensure that local priorities are clearly represented as regional and national energy plans develop.
