This insight briefing examines the Net Zero transition in relation to the energy networks that connect our homes, workplaces, commercial and industrial buildings to sources of energy for heat and power, and the role of local authorities within this transition.

While it has legislated for Net Zero nationally, the UK Government’s approach to working in partnership with local authorities to enable programmes and projects that will achieve Net Zero hasn’t delivered to date.

Our report Accelerating the Rate of Investment in Local Energy Projects, published in July 2020, explained the role that local authorities can play in helping to deliver the investment in local energy projects needed to achieve the transition to Net Zero.

Both the Climate Change Committee and the National Audit Office have highlighted the fundamental role of local authorities in delivering on the UK Government’s ambitions to be Net Zero by 2050. To do so, local authorities need more powers to act.

Countryside authorities delivering Net Zero

Rural local authorities are critical to delivering UK Net Zero. Our new report explores how.

Following the launch of the Resilient Recovery Taskforce in September 2020, UK100 convened a series of workshops with local authority members and experts from the clean energy sector to share insights on local on-the-ground delivery and to identify priorities for action.

Rural communities are more receptive to renewable energy generation than their urban counterparts, according to research commissioned by the UK100’s Countryside Climate Network.

For our State of the Network Report we look back at defining moments over the past five years with a short film featuring local leaders like Mayor Andy Burnham and Cllr Susan Aitken. We also have an accompanying mini report, and delve into our members' actions and ambitions on climate and clean air.

For a green recovery to happen, we have to reskill and readjust how society operates. Download this brochure to find out more about the UK100 Resilient Recovery Task Force.