Agenda item

(1)      Carolyn McKenzie (Head of Sustainable Business and Communities, KCC) gave a presentation about future energy systems from the perspective of a Local Authority. The presentation can be viewed online at this link: https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/documents/s87959/Item%207%20-%20A%20local%20authority%20perspective.pdf

(2)      The Kent Environment Strategy was a driving force behind the future of energy. It had been adopted by all Local Authorities in Kent and Medway.

(3)      Power stations needed to be decarbonised in order to meet the climate change goal of cutting CO₂ emissions by 80% by 2050. There was significant potential in this area, and investment totalling £14bn had been identified in the Tri-LEP Strategy.

(4)      New sources of energy were required, as current forms such as fossil fuels were not sustainable. New, low carbon systems included hydro and wind power.

(5)      Carolyn McKenzie explained that the DIGIGIF was a digital version of the Growth Infrastructure Framework. It was used as an infrastructure mapping tool by developers, utility providers and local authorities, and highlighted energy needs, hotspots and constraints – as well as information on how these would be overcome.

(6)      Steven Baggs (Energy Manager, KCC) continued the presentation to update members about the Maidstone Heat Network. The feasibility study was looking into the possibility of heating a number of buildings in Maidstone town centre by using a large, single source of energy such as a water pump and gas Combined Heat and Power. The objective was to reduce local emissions and be more efficient.

(7)      A pre-feasibility study started in 2012 with Aecom, following the receipt of funding. A number of challenges were identified; therefore a new iteration of the scheme began in 2018. The buildings involved were Maidstone Prison (the largest source of heat demand), Maidstone East train station, Invicta House, Sessions House and Kent History and Library Centre.

(8)      The possibility of locating the energy centre in the Maidstone East development site was being looked into.

(9)      Work progressed on stage 2 of the feasibility study, and KCC continued to work with external partners. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) would be low (around 4% - though this was just a first financial assessment and more work needed to be carried out on establishing the financial viability) but central government had set aside money (the Heat Network Investment Programme) in order to help attract commercial investors (who usually looked for an IRR of 10-12%). When the scheme became commercial, it would either be KCC or an external company that took it forward.

(10)   KCC had been in discussion with UKPN since 2016 about accessing the grid. A number of upgrades would take place in Kent over the coming years. A flexible approach would be taken where possible – such as accessing power at off-peak times.

(11)   A Member commented on the use of water from the Thames as a source of energy by London authorities. Steve Baggs advised that the Environment Agency would have to consider and approve a similar scheme in the Medway. It would not be as large as the London scheme.

(12)   There was a portfolio of case studies being built across London of different heating schemes. For example, Islington Council was looking at the possibility of using heat from the Underground as a source. Officers within KCC ensured they were aware of schemes happening across Kent and the rest of the UK.

(13)   KCC’s role in the energy sector was changing to become more of a strategic partner.

(14)   The Chairman thanked Carolyn McKenzie and Steven Baggs for their presentation. He invited Mr Baggs to a future meeting for an update on the Maidstone Heat Network Scheme.

RESOLVED that the guests be thanked for attending the meeting and that Mr Baggs attend a future meeting for an update on the Maidstone Heat Network Scheme.