Strategic Energy Partnership overview - Print version

The Strategic Energy Partnership is a partnership between E.ON [https://www.eonenergy.com/sustainable-cities/coventry.html] and Coventry City Council. 

The initiative, which has been operational since 2023, has seen E.ON working with the city council to form an alliance that is building a cleaner and more sustainable city.  Driving a new green economy that will bring jobs, skills and opportunities for generations to come.

As a result of the partnership, we are working together to develop ideas, projects and new innovations for the benefit of Coventry residents.  The SEP’s strategic plan is aligned to all five priority areas of our One Coventry Plan [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/onecoventryplan].

Information on the partnership

E.ON shares the Council's desire to see the city thrive in a sustainable way and will be bringing its expertise, knowledge and skills to the partnership.

By working with E.ON, taking advantage of their support and experience, the Council hopes to be able to undertake and achieve a number of projects that would otherwise have been difficult for the Council to undertake by itself. 

The four themes driving the partnership

1. Clean local energy - This theme is about making sure that Coventry residents have access to clean, locally generated energy. Projects working under this theme will focus on increasing local clean energy generation and affordable clean heating for buildings.
2. Jobs and skills - This theme is about making sure that our work provides employment and learning opportunities for Coventry residents from all backgrounds. This will be achieved through partnerships with educational institutions as well as providing hands-on experience for the next generation. Central to this theme is a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
3. Innovation and scale - This theme is about using innovative solutions to tackle issues – e.g. heat loss from homes. Coventry has a history of innovation and a reputation as being at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. Projects working under this theme will aim to build on that reputation.
4. Community benefits - This theme is about ensuring that all communities and residents benefit from our work. As part of the partnership, we will engage with vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities to provide them with energy support and advice.  

Coventry Energy Plan

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.

Working with Coventry Building Society Arena

E.ON have also launched a strategic partnership with the Coventry Building Society Arena - making a difference for our city.

Local supplier information

Helping build sustainable businesses in Coventry - local suppliers can get involved with SEP activity.

The SEP are working hard to transform our city and communities into sustainable, energy-resilient and investable future places to live and work. Sustainable technologies will improve access to clean, affordable energy, support energy transition efforts, and create a more efficient and resilient energy grid.

The SEP will bring forward initiatives to enhance the quality of life for residents, communities and businesses which in turn will contribute to the overall economic development, environment and health of the city. If you would like to register your business to work with the SEP, please submit your details.

Supply chain enquiries - submit your information  

Visit the EON website [https://www.eonenergy.com/sustainable-cities/coventry.html].