• Identify Decentralised and Low-carbon Energy Supply Potential

The Assembly intends to explore the potential of more efficient means of energy supply and to focus development on areas where energy (heat and/or electricity) can be gained from decentralised supplies. We want to ensure that opportunities for decentralised and low-carbon energy are maximized.

The Assembly will identify favourable locations for decentralised energy supply in particular. This will be based on a range of different consideration such as the proximity to high energy consumption through "heat maps" or major sources of existing heat generation. For low-carbon sources environmental conditions are important.

The Assembly aims to collect and share research and good examples of policies promoting decentralised and low-carbon energy. The work will highlight economic, social and environmental benefits including potential carbon savings. In spite of such benefits, barriers to the delivery of schemes still exist. We will explore way of overcoming them.

• Integrating these Activities

Whilst the focus of both activities will be on the South East of England, the work will be inspired by research findings in the partner regions. The results of the work will inform a range of other activities within the Future Cities project including the joint assessment criteria and the work on awareness raising. Within the South East for example the results will inform advice to local authorities on how to address climate change through spatial planning.