Regen worked on a unique study with the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to identify the low carbon investment opportunities within Dorset, as well as to understand the economic benefits that could reach the local area from the shift to decarbonised energy for heat, transport and power.
Project duration: March – June 2021
The study involved an assessment of the opportunities and natural advantages which could place Dorset at the forefront of the net zero transition, along with proposals for ten project areas where significant investment could be attracted – you can read the publications here and a blog reflecting on the project’s findings and what it means for net zero here.
This works supports the objective set out by the Dorset LEP that “by 2038, Dorset will become a leading low-carbon energy economy, driving efforts to deliver affordable energy to enable productivity and clean growth while protecting our natural environment”.
The plan and associated evidence base looks at the natural resources and opportunities within Dorset that can set the area on the path to net-zero, including:
^ Proposed net zero pathway for Dorset, based on the area’s unique local geography and infrastructure.
^ Summary map of Dorset’s energy resources, highlighting existing and proposed projects and key resource areas and constraints.
It is increasingly clear that achieving net zero is unlikely to follow the path of a single national trajectory. Instead, it is likely to be a patchwork of locally-specific opportunities and actions coming together to decarbonise the UK. Studies such as this will be crucial for moving local areas swiftly from declarations of climate emergency to clear and immediate actions.
For further information on this project, please contact Poppy Maltby, head of cities and regions, pmaltby@regen.co.uk.
To find out more about Regen’s Local Authorities, Cities and Regions membership, click here.
