Collaboration project will be key to region’s future energy ambitions

One of our innovation projects is to play a key part in delivering secure, low-carbon energy and unlocking economic growth in the Midlands.

The role of our Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE) project is featured in the new Midlands Energy Security White Paper, which has just been launched by the Midlands Engine Partnership.

With £20bn of investment potential and the opportunity to create nearly 200,000 green jobs by 2041, the Midlands is central to achieving the Government’s ambition to become a clean energy superpower.

The region is home to a quarter of the UK’s fossil fuel generation capacity and has a high concentration of energy-intensive industries, but also has England’s highest regional rate of fuel poverty.

PRIDE aims to show the value of sharing information digitally to promote better understanding of energy needs and therefore planning decisions.

It seeks to help the National Energy System Operator (NESO) see the value of working with regional stakeholders in identifying where energy demand and generation will be.

Along with Local Area Energy Plans, these efforts aim to ensure energy supply and demand are better integrated, supporting businesses and communities.

Innovation and Deployment Engineer Liza Troshka said: “The data-driven approach PRIDE offers has a potential to enable more effective strategic investment by aligning it with future demand. This will result in efficient, impactful use of capital as local authorities plan projects and investment in energy, transport, heating and housing.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The Midlands is leading in smart energy solutions and decarbonising our industries. With projects like PRIDE, we are demonstrating the power of collaboration to deliver the infrastructure needed to meet our net zero ambitions while creating high-value jobs and powering economic growth.”

More details about PRIDE – which is funded by Ofgem and led by NGED in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, Advanced Infrastructure Technology Limited and Regen and NESO – can be found here.