In our discussions on Net Zero and how we get there, there’s one critical resource that often goes unnoticed or overlooked but holds incredible potential: data. Net Zero Data is set to change this. From ensuring funding for major energy projects to helping local authorities make informed decisions, Net Zero Data offers a streamlined, data-driven approach to transform how we approach energy planning and management.
At a time when the pressure is on to cut costs, reduce emissions, and streamline decision making, the coordination between Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and local authorities has become crucial. DNOs need to make large-scale, strategic investments in future energy assets. However, to secure funding from Ofgem, DNOs must demonstrate that these investments are necessary and future-proof. The catch? To make confident investment decisions, DNOs need reliable, actionable decisions and priorities from local authorities on the proposed location, scope, and potential impact of their Net Zero initiatives.
Yet, right now, many local authorities are asked to perform complex tasks – identifying and planning Net Zero projects – without adequate resources, funding, or effective tools. As a result, energy projects can be disjointed, inconsistent, and difficult for DNOs to align with Ofgem’s criteria for funding approval.
Net Zero Data offers a structured, accessible way for local authorities to evaluate their current projects, prioritise new ones, and coordinate more effectively. By consolidating and simplifying the data local authorities need, this resource helps local councils make better-informed decisions with greater confidence. Imagine being able to identify where resources are most urgently needed, which projects would have the greatest impact on carbon reduction, and how these plans align with the broader goals of both regional and national energy networks. This is exactly what Net Zero Data provides.
With clear, organised data, local authorities can make decisions that aren’t just more coordinated but are also transparent and backed by evidence of modelled local energy demand. This gives them the tools to outline clear, impactful Net Zero project strategies that address immediate needs and long-term objectives – ultimately making their projects more appealing to DNOs.
For DNOs, the benefit of Net Zero Data goes beyond just having access to local plans: it’s about being able to make informed investments with confidence. When local authorities use Net Zero Data to plan and prioritise their efforts, it allows DNOs to create investment strategies that align with these local goals. This synergy is critical when presenting business cases to Ofgem, which demands that any proposed investment in energy infrastructure be well-supported and necessary for achieving Net Zero targets.
With local authorities making data-driven, well-coordinated decisions, DNOs can approach Ofgem with a clear, substantiated vision of future needs. This alignment not only improves the chances of obtaining funding but also creates a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy system.
A key project type that’s top of mind for local authorities is to decarbonise their non-domestic public sector buildings. Local authorities can use Net Zero Data’s non-domestic building decarbonisation bundle to identify and prioritise projects that will generate the best savings in carbon emissions in non-domestic buildings.
Local authorities can also Net Zero Data’s potential for transport solutions bundle to identify potential locations to make more electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) available in a way that aligns with the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding scope.
When local authorities and DNOs use Net Zero Data to guide their decisions, the benefits cascade across the entire energy landscape. Reliable and consistent data removes much of the guesswork, helping stakeholders plan projects that deliver results and ensure that all parties are working in the same direction. This coordinated approach isn’t just essential for meeting regulatory standards; it’s essential for achieving Net Zero in a way that is both timely and effective.
Net Zero Data represents a powerful opportunity to close the gap between ambition and action. With more local authorities empowered by data-driven insights, DNOs will be able to present stronger, more convincing cases for the investments needed to support the UK’s climate goals. It’s a win-win scenario: DNOs gain the confidence to build robust, future-focused energy networks, while local authorities make decisions that are not only impactful but also respected by both regulators and communities.
Together, Net Zero Data can help shape an energy system that is fit for a sustainable future – one where our efforts to reduce emissions are backed by the insights and coordination that make success achievable.
For more on how Net Zero Data is transforming energy planning, check out Net Zero Market.
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams