Strategic Energy Partnership overview

The Coventry Energy Plan has been developed to help steer the direction of the partnership and to identify energy projects. It is a strategic long term energy vision for Coventry giving a detailed understanding of the energy challenges and opportunities looking ahead over the next 15 years (from October 2024) and beyond. 

A proposed pipeline of commercially viable and technically feasible energy projects have been identified, with a focus on heat for homes and businesses, electric vehicle charging and clean local energy generation. The Coventry Energy Plan provides a prioritised approach to SEP activity that will make the biggest impact in Coventry.

Coventry Energy Plan - challenges and opportunities

The Coventry Energy Plan has identified a number of challenges and opportunities for the city and these are split into:

Gas heating

Coventry's energy mix is predominantly gas at 67% and primarily in domestic use. Positive intervention is needed to deliver clean affordable heating. This presents a great opportunity for the introduction of gas boiler alternatives and other sustainable heating solutions in the city.

• a significant proportion of the city's population rent their home or a commercial unit (43% residential & 50% commercial). The SEP is committed to landlord relationship development to encourage alternative heating solutions in these buildings
• the diverse building types that form Coventry's housing stock demand tailored solutions and economical propositions

Transport

Tackling the challenge of green transport systems and alternative mobility solutions is key to make a positive impact on health and wellbeing in the city. Potential projects include:

• supporting electric transit options
• supporting Electric Vehicle (EV) charger installation
• the SEP can facilitate clean energy supply to support the demands of the transport sector

Innovation

Innovative ideas are needed to make new energy work:

• businesses and residents would be supported with initiatives to help them with the transition to cleaner and greener technology
• inflation, high cost of living and increasing business overheads means limited availability of disposable funds that could be invested in sustainable solutions
• the SEP has an opportunity to improve the uptake of sustainable solutions among residents and businesses
• the SEP will innovate and pilot new propositions that will help drive change in the city

The solution for Coventry

The SEP is uniquely positioned to provide solutions, and by the nature of its public-private structure and operational expertise, to provide solutions and delivery mechanisms to help meet these challenges and include: 

• Community Benefit - creating jobs through local supply chains.  Helping local businesses with their energy transition.  Employability, training initiatives, reskilling.  Community initiatives.
• Environment – increased access to clean local energy will help businesses meet sustainability targets, access investment and create an environment for business opportunities.  Cleaner air, warmer homes and healthier environments to live in.
• Investment - Not all the investment will be through the SEP but it will create an enabling environment which maximises the opportunity for investment.