Mott MacDonald to develop a local area energy plan for Cambridgeshire

Mott MacDonald, in partnership with CAG Consultants, has been appointed by Cambridgeshire County Council and its local authority partners, to develop a comprehensive local area energy plan (LAEP), creating a roadmap for the region’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.

The aim of the plan will be to tackle the twin challenges of growth and net zero in Cambridgeshire. The LAEP will set out the main options for improving local infrastructure and facilitating research and business growth while also achieving net zero.  The aim of the plan is to ensure energy infrastructure requirements are seamlessly planned alongside other infrastructure requirements to achieve net zero in the most efficient, low cost and beneficial way for Cambridgeshire residents and businesses.

Luke Strickland, decarbonisation and energy transition project director at Mott MacDonald said: "Our team brings extensive experience in developing local energy plans, net zero strategies, and decarbonisation roadmaps at various scales, from regional and city level to neighbourhood and local communities. We look forward to working closely with Cambridgeshire County Council and its partners to develop a plan that reflects the priorities and needs of its diverse communities.”

The LAEP will provide a detailed analysis of the county's current energy infrastructure, identifying cost-effective, sustainable pathways for decarbonisation. This includes mapping existing energy networks, consumption patterns and carbon emissions, planning for the electrification of heat and transport systems, and identifying opportunities for renewable energy generation, storage and distribution.

Cllr Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, commented: “We are excited to launch the local area energy planning initiative. This partnership with Mott MacDonald and CAG Consultants is a significant step in our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. By building a robust energy infrastructure network, we aim to attract investment, support innovation, and enhance the county’s economic resilience. We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders across our communities and businesses to achieve our shared goals and create a greener Cambridgeshire.”

Mott MacDonald will collaborate with CAG Consultants, who will oversee the stakeholder engagement process. Businesses, community groups and residents will be invited to actively participate in the development of the LAEP through workshops, consultations, surveys feedback forms and collaborative projects. 
The Cambridgeshire LAEP has been commissioned by Cambridgeshire County Council alongside its partners, comprising Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Huntingdonshire District Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council.