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Local Power Plans will need new energy partnership model to drive decentralised decarbonisation in UK, Localis report argues

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Press release

Embargo date: from 00.01 a.m., Tuesday 25th
March 2025

  • New report suggests that because local authorities remain essential in achieving net zero, a new model of public private partnerships must be forged to bridge the gap between national ambitions, local action and community benefit.
  • GB Energy must help usher in, through Local Power Plans a new wave of strategic partnerships to shape a coherent local energy strategy – providing a framework for grants, investment and development – which will in turn deliver local economic growth and secure community energy provision.
  • For Local Power Plans to remain politically viable at the place level, the government should consider moving the capital burden of renewable infrastructure away from household bill levies.

Local Power Plans will need new energy partnership model to drive decentralised decarbonisation in UK, Localis report argues

The government should consider shifting the capital burden of renewable infrastructure from household bills to keep local residents onside with plans to overhaul energy generation, a new report from the think-tank Localis has argued today.

The suggestion is contained in a new report entitled “Generating Hope: Local Power in Partnership”, in which Localis makes a series of policy recommendations to central and local government and industry that would ensure Local Power Plans – a key component of Great British Energy (GB Energy) – drive the decarbonisation of energy at the local level.

For the agenda to succeed, a new model of public-private partnerships (PPPs) will prove crucial for mobilizing resources, expertise, and funding for this effort and for smaller, community-led initiatives, bridging the gap between national ambitions and local action, the study argues.

According to the report authors, such partnerships must be strategic, and long-term and able to transform approaches to decentralizing and decarbonising the UK’s energy system by empowering communities, reinvesting profits locally, and addressing socio-economic disparities.

The research study, commissioned by E.ON UK, emphasises that overcoming obstacles will require a framework that recognizes the roles of both the public and private sectors at the local level.

Local authorities can act as place leaders, landowners, employers and development authorities, the paper notes, leveraging their powers to promote renewable energy projects and incorporate energy considerations into development plans.

Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said: “Local authorities will be essential in achieving net zero, as a significant portion of UK carbon emissions fall within their scope of action.

“The report identifies multiple barriers hindering the further deployment of renewable energy, including technical challenges such as grid infrastructure unpreparedness and skills gaps within local authorities.

“Financial obstacles include high upfront costs and investor perceptions of risk, and political barriers include potential public opposition and a lack of clear policy support.

“The solutions to these problems must emphasize the potential for renewable energy to address socio-economic challenges related to the energy trilemma of sustainability, security, and affordability.”

Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis, said: “The recent announcement of Great British Energy’s first major project to put rooftop solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 NHS sites has fired the starting gun in the race to empower local communities to generate their own clean energy this parliament.

“However, if we are serious about unleashing the full power of the local state, it is clear Local Power Plans will require a new model of strategic, long-term energy partnerships to transform how we decentralise and decarbonise the UK’s energy system.

“By fostering direct collaboration among local energy stakeholders, these new model partnerships could bypass traditional barriers to innovation such as fragmented decision-making structures and lengthy tender processes, allowing for more agile and resilient responses to local energy challenges, empowering communities, and reinvesting profits locally.

“To make these work at the level of place, central government should build on successful examples of strategic energy partnerships and produce a contracting framework for local authorities to procure strategically for the long-term benefit of their communities.”

END


Press enquiries:

Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis
(Telephone) 0870 448 1530 / (Mobile) 07967 100328 / (Email) [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

  1. An advance copy of the report is available for download

https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Localis-Generating-Hope-Report-A5-MAR25-PRF05-Interactive.pdf

  1. About Localis

Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism. We carry out innovative research, hold events and facilitate an ever-growing network of members to stimulate and challenge the current orthodoxy of the governance of the UK.

www.localis.org.uk

  1. Key Report Recommendations: constructing a Local Power Plan

The establishment of GB Energy and the promise of a Local Power Plan represent huge potential to transform central-local relations in the energy transition. The recommendations below, drawn from the research carried out for this project, present some considerations for the key actors involved in the production and implementation of the Local Power Plan.

Enabling the Local Power Plan

Enabling the local power plan will require concerted action across departments, integrating the ambitions of GB Energy with the planning reforms forthcoming from MHCLG, the overall net zero ‘mission control’ of DESNZ and the strategic spatial energy plan of the National Energy System Operator. Action must also accord with the devolution policy and facilitate the upskilling of actors at local authority and community level. To create the conditions for success at local level, central government should:

  • Produce legislation to formalise local area energy planning to ensure new development contributes to the energy transition whilst also gaining a clearer national picture of future grid demand.
    • This could involve integrating LAEPs with the Local Plan process, or ensuring that completed and approved Local Plans have a statutory LAEP attachment.
    • These plans should feed into future iterations of the National Energy System Operator’s strategic spatial energy plan.
    • Frameworks for producing LAEPs should not be overly restrictive, allowing for local variation.
  • Consolidate funding streams for clean energy projects in local areas.
  • Build community capacity to engage with energy projects.
    • This would involve working with the community and voluntary sector to build government-funded projects for training and development of community groups looking to get involved with decentralised energy.
  • Establish regional energy data centres to help local authorities make evidence-led plans.
    • This initiative could connect with the plans for subregional data analytics centres headed up by strategic authorities, as announced in the English Devolution White Paper.
  • Streamline the application process for grid connection to help communities realise the benefits faster.
  • Invest in local government skills programmes to allow councils to recruit, train and retain staff who can engage with the energy market.

Delivering the Local Power Plan

The delivery of a successful Local Power Plan will require concerted action across sectors and levels of government.

  • Central government should:
    • Provide local authorities with support in procurement and contracting to access complex markets.
      • This could involve utilising the Local Net Zero Hub network to extend government support for procurement officers and policy teams in developing tenders, specifications and contracts.
    • Provide capacity support for planning applications, to accelerate the planning process for new local infrastructure.
      • The technical detail of some energy infrastructure planning applications prevents timely resolution, a central government funded support hub could act as a mechanism to address this problem.
    • Build on successful examples of strategic energy partnerships to produce a contracting framework
      for local authorities looking to procure long-term public-private partnerships.
  • Local government should:
    • Provide robust data and measurement mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
    • Target quantifiable benefits to local communities.
    • Develop financial instruments such as Community Municipal Investments and Green Bonds to help support local communities.
    • Embed Green Public Procurement in their procurement of energy services and utilities.
  • Private sector partners should:
    • Practice meaningful community consultation
      over the direction of projects and funding.
    • Prioritise local job creation in delivering projects.
    • Work with a local supply chain to ensure the retention of economic benefits.

Making the Local Power Plan work

To ensure that the Local Power Plan is politically viable at place level, government should consider moving the capital burden of renewable infrastructure away from household bill levies. The government should also consider the reintroduction of feed-in tariffs to help enable participation.

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EU’s Regulatory Shift: A Boon for Small Tech Firms

New EU regulations targeting tech monopolies promise to level the playing field, offering unprecedented opportunities for smaller tech companies to thrive. Explore how these changes could reshape the industry.

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In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dominance of technology giants, the European Union has implemented a suite of new regulations designed to foster competition and innovation within the industry. Announced by the European Commission on May 21, 2026, these measures are part of a broader strategy to dismantle monopolistic practices and empower smaller players in the tech sector. The Financial Times reported that this regulatory shift could herald a new era for startups and small businesses, offering them a unique opportunity to compete on a more level playing field.

For years, the EU has tussled with tech behemoths over issues ranging from data privacy to market monopolies. These latest regulations, however, mark a significant escalation in the EU’s efforts to promote fair competition. By targeting the monopolistic practices that have long stifled smaller competitors, the EU aims to dismantle barriers that have historically protected the interests of large corporations. This shift is timely, as innovation increasingly emerges from smaller tech companies that often lack the resources to challenge established giants.

The current regulatory framework introduces stringent measures that impose limits on data sharing, promote transparency in algorithms, and mandate interoperability between platforms. These measures, as detailed by the European Commission, aim to dismantle the walls that have allowed tech giants to corner markets and stifle competition. Smaller firms, often more agile and innovative, stand to benefit immensely. By ensuring that platforms cannot unfairly prioritize their own services, these regulations open doors for startups to enter markets previously dominated by a few large players.

Market analysts have noted that these changes could lead to a renaissance in tech innovation across Europe. Smaller companies, unburdened by the constraints of battling entrenched incumbents, are likely to experiment with new technologies and business models. For instance, the requirement for interoperability could lead to the development of new collaborative platforms that challenge existing ecosystems. As a result, consumers may see a surge in diverse product offerings tailored to specific needs, driven by smaller companies eager to carve out niche markets.

The response from tech giants has been predictably cautious. While some have expressed willingness to comply, others have raised concerns about the potential for stifling innovation and increasing operational costs. However, proponents of the regulations argue that true innovation thrives in competitive environments. By breaking the hold of tech monopolies, the EU is not only fostering a fairer market but also driving the industry towards a more dynamic and responsive future.

Looking ahead, these regulatory changes could catalyze a shift in the global tech landscape. As smaller companies gain traction and challenge the status quo, the ripple effects may extend beyond Europe, influencing regulatory approaches worldwide. This development promises to reshape the dynamics of the tech industry, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation is driven by diversity and competition, rather than the dominance of a select few.

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AI Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Real-Time Analysis

AI algorithms are transforming cryptocurrency trading by offering real-time analysis and unprecedented efficiency. This article explores the technological advancements and their impact on the crypto market.

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape, a fact made clear by recent reports from Bloomberg. The integration of AI algorithms into trading strategies is providing unprecedented real-time analysis and efficiency, a development that is attracting significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on the volatile yet lucrative crypto markets.

In May 2026, Bloomberg highlighted how AI technologies are enabling traders to process vast amounts of market data at speeds unattainable by human analysts. This capability allows for the detection of patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a competitive edge to those who harness these tools. The real-time nature of these analyses means traders can make decisions based on the most current market conditions, enhancing the potential for profitable trades.

The application of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality transforming investment strategies. For instance, hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly relying on machine learning models to predict price movements and optimize trading algorithms. These models can analyze a myriad of factors, from market sentiment to historical price data, adjusting trading strategies dynamically in response to new information.

AI’s role in enhancing trading efficiency is particularly crucial in the cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is a constant challenge. The ability to swiftly process and react to market changes can mean the difference between a lucrative trade and a significant loss. This agility is driving interest from tech-savvy investors who are keen to leverage innovation for financial gain.

However, the rise of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not without its challenges. Regulators are grappling with the implications of these technologies, as traditional oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. There is an ongoing debate about the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in cryptocurrency trading are substantial. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to drive further innovation in the financial sector, offering new opportunities for growth and investment. Investors and firms that can effectively integrate AI into their trading strategies are poised to thrive in this new digital era.

The future of cryptocurrency trading appears increasingly intertwined with AI technology. As more traders adopt these advanced tools, the market dynamics will likely shift, favoring those who can adapt quickly to technological changes. The ongoing integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading not only heralds a new era of financial innovation but also underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance.

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The Rise of Green Finance in Europe: Challenges and Limitations

Explore the burgeoning field of green finance in Europe, focusing on the critical challenges and limitations that could shape its future. This article provides a thorough analysis of the barriers to sustainable investment growth and the potential implications for investors.

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As the sun rises over Europe’s financial districts, a new wave of investment strategies is beginning to take shape. Green finance, a term that encapsulates financial investments flowing into sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, is gaining traction across the continent. However, beneath the surface of this promising trend lie significant challenges that could impede its progress.

The current landscape of green finance in Europe is characterized by an increasing number of funds and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development. The European Union has been at the forefront, implementing a comprehensive framework that encourages green investments. This includes the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which aim to direct capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. Despite these efforts, the journey towards a universally green financial system is fraught with obstacles.

One of the primary challenges facing green finance is the lack of standardized definitions and metrics. What exactly constitutes a ‘green’ investment can vary significantly across regions and sectors, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This lack of clarity can result in greenwashing, where investments are marketed as sustainable without meeting rigorous environmental criteria. The absence of a unified taxonomy complicates efforts to assess and compare the sustainability of different financial products.

Moreover, the transition to green finance is hindered by the existing financial infrastructure. Traditional financial systems are deeply entrenched, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This systemic inertia makes it difficult for green initiatives to gain a foothold. Additionally, many investors are still skeptical about the profitability of sustainable investments, perceiving them as risky or less lucrative compared to conventional options.

Another significant limitation is the uneven distribution of green finance across Europe. While countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have made substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices, others lag behind due to economic and regulatory disparities. This imbalance poses a challenge to achieving a cohesive and effective green finance strategy across the continent.

The role of technology and innovation in overcoming these challenges cannot be overstated. Advancements in fintech, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in green finance. These technologies can help track and verify the environmental impact of investments, thus building trust and credibility in the market.

Despite these hurdles, the future of green finance in Europe holds promising opportunities. As awareness of climate change grows, so does the demand for sustainable financial products. Investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of aligning their portfolios with environmental goals. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and societal expectations are likely to drive more companies towards sustainable practices, thereby expanding the scope of green finance.

In conclusion, while the rise of green finance in Europe is a step in the right direction, it is not without its challenges. Addressing the issues of standardization, infrastructure, and regional disparities will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of sustainable investments. As Europe navigates these complexities, the outcome will not only shape the future of its financial markets but also its commitment to a sustainable global economy.

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