News
London Energy Partnership launches studies on wind power and planning policy at annual forum
23rd March 2007
Two studies are published today (22 March) at the annual London Energy Partnership Forum in City Hall. One of the London Energy Partnership reports identifies the feasibility of large-scale wind and biomass (1) plants in London, and the second is a resource guide for the construction community for implementing energy related planning policy in London.
The ‘London Wind and Biomass Study’ considers how London can reduce its carbon emissions by using more wind energy and by using biomass in combined heat and power units (CHP), which fuel homes and businesses more efficiently than traditional power plants. The study shows how the power generated at 25 possible locations (2) for wind power could supply electricity to around 116,015 households, saving 147,015 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
As a major world city, London has a huge demand for energy in a small geographical area and generating energy by wind power and biomass are the most appropriate and cost effective forms of renewable energy for the capital. The study represents the first publicly available assessment of potential wind locations in London and suggests that if the projects listed in the study go ahead, they could play a significant part in meeting the Mayor’s targets of creating at least 665GWh of electricity from renewable schemes by 2010.
Complementing the Wind and Biomass Study, the second London Energy Partnership report launched today ‘Capacity building for planners and others implementing energy-related planning policy in London’ acts as a resource for planners, engineers and developers and aims to increase understanding of and receptiveness to energy related planning policy.
The project, which saw the London Energy Partnership providing advice and support to planners, was piloted to great success in a number of London Boroughs (3) and as a result provided recommendations. These included assistance in the form of training, the distribution of glossaries of typical terms used and the increased need for technical support for borough planners to implement energy policies.
Tackling climate change is a priority for the Mayor of London and these studies are the first to examine the potential in London for renewable non-building integrated technologies as well as advice for local boroughs about how to incorporate sustainable energy into every aspect of planning and design.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: ‘It is essential that we consider what renewable energy technologies work best in London and these London Energy Partnership studies illustrate the potential role for wind and biomass for the capital while also encouraging the implementation of energy strategies at a local borough level. This is particularly important as London has some large-scale development and regeneration projects in the pipeline and we must ensure that sustainability is incorporated into every aspect of planning and design’.
David Green, Chair of the London Energy Partnership said: ‘CO2 emission reduction is fundamental to London's goal of becoming a sustainable world city - and as the Mayor has identified decentralised energy has significant potential to meet this goal. The Partnerships' wind and biomass study will help developers, planners and others to understand its potential. Such awareness is crucial.’
Peter Bishop, Director of Design for London said: ‘Design for London is working to implement the Mayor's vision for a sustainable world-class city and reduce our carbon footprint through a comprehensive approach to create excellent architecture, urban design and planning that responds to our changing climate. We applaud and welcome the support of the London Energy Partnership and will encourage those involved in the design and planning process to access the expertise and information available.’
Source: Mayor of London
