Issue - meetings

This report considers the potential for York to achieve energy independence through a combination of energy efficiency and new renewable generation. It considers the associated benefits, challenges, progress to date and required future activity.

Resolved:  

i. That the goal for York to become the UK’s first net exporter of renewable energy, associated challenges, progress to date and planned activity be noted.

ii. That approval be given to accept grant funding from the Mayoral Combined Authority to:

·        Complete a full business case for a Green Energy Park at Harewood Whin (£200k)

·        Complete a techno-economic feasibility study for a city centre heat network (£100k)

·        Provide staff capacity to support delivery of the Energy Generation

Reason:     To make York able to meet its energy needs entirely through local generation, without relying on external sources.

 The Executive Member considered a report that explored the potential for York to achieve energy independence through a combination of energy efficiency and new renewable generation. The report also considered the associated benefits, challenges, progress to date and required future activity to meet energy independence. The Chief Strategy Officer outlined the report. She explained that energy independence had its opportunities and challenges, which she detailed. She noted that York had the opportunity to move towards energy independence, and she explained the project pipeline.

The Executive Member welcomed the report. She noted the associated risks for energy independence and the need to have the right developments in the right places. She noted a number of projects that had been completed since 2023 and future planned activities. She observed the map for ground mounted solar as being indicative only and the commitment to the local nature recovery strategy. She highlighted the government Warm Homes Plan and noted where energy support could be sought from residents. She then:

Resolved: 

i. That the goal for York to become the UK’s first net exporter of renewable energy, associated challenges, progress to date and planned activity be noted.

ii. That approval be given to accept grant funding from the Mayoral Combined Authority to:

·        Complete a full business case for a Green Energy Park at Harewood Whin (£200k)

·        Complete a techno-economic feasibility study for a city centre heat network (£100k)

·        Provide staff capacity to support delivery of the Energy Generation

Reason:     To make York able to meet its energy needs entirely through local generation, without relying on external sources.