Energy Planning

‘Spatial planning’ means exploring the economic, social, and environmental considerations and benefits of how land and natural resources are used in a particular area.

Spatial planning directly impacts how we live, work and move around an area. It addresses sectors like:

• housing,
• traffic,
• transport infrastructure, and
• urban development.

What is Spatial Energy Planning?

Spatial Energy Planning advocates for energy to be considered an essential factor in spatial planning processes. This is because each county in Ireland, and more specifically each area across Dublin, is unique.

The infrastructure, buildings, transport and land in Palmerstown or Drumcondra is going to be different to that of Ringsend or Dundrum. This means the energy used and the solutions suitable for each area will differ.

The specific needs and characteristics of an area and the people living there are often overlooked at a national level. Spatial energy planning understands these and addresses them at a regional and local level.

A great example of spatial energy planning in action is Codema’s Dublin Region Energy Master Plan published in 2021. The three-year study was the first of its kind to be carried out for any city or town in Ireland. It identified the most realistic, evidence-based solutions to reduce emissions in Dublin related to:

• heat,
• electricity,
• transport, and
• buildings.

The master plan looked at ‘what should go where’ for every part of Dublin. This is based on the type of area it is and the technologies that are best suited to reducing energy-related emissions within that area.

What’s the current situation?

Spatial energy planning is at a very early stage of development in Ireland and in Dublin.

Spatial energy demand analyses

A spatial energy demand analyses and the Dublin Region Energy Master Plan have been developed by Codema, Dublin’s Energy Agency.

Local Authority assessments

Local authorities have completed carbon and energy assessments.

Commitment to energy statements

City and County Development plans have committed to put in place energy statements.

Covenant of Mayors

Engagement with Covenant of Mayors initiative, which brings together local government from across Europe to commit to implementing EU climate and energy objectives. This allows local governments to report on their local action plans, share their progress, and to learn from other cities. Dublin is part of the covenant of Mayors.

Decarbonising zones

The introduction of ‘Decarbonising Zones’ in local authority climate action plans is a step towards looking at spatial energy planning at a local level.

‘Decarbonising Zone’. This is an area spatially identified by the Local Authority, where a range of climate mitigation measures can exist together to address local:

 

• low carbon energy,

• greenhouse gas emissions, and

• climate needs.

Local Authority influence

A key target of spatial energy planning is for Local Authorities to use their powers in:

• spatial planning,
• land-use,
• planning policy, and
• public infrastructure.

Their influence on planning can help to deliver emission reductions within the boundaries of the Local Authority.

This can be achieved by including spatial energy planning as an input to:

• prepare County and City Development Plans,
• prepare Local Authority Climate Action Plans,
• identify Strategic Energy Zones,
• asses Decarbonising Zones, and
• prepare climate mitigation plans

Local Authorities can also influence spatial energy planning by encouraging low-carbon infrastructure in areas like:

• District Heating,
• public transport,
• active travel infrastructure, and
• electric vehicle (EV) charging.
• Climate Action Plans.