Local area energy planning
In 2018, the Mayor declared a climate emergency and committed that London would become net zero-carbon by 2030. This requires fundamental changes to our energy systems and the city as a whole. The Mayor’s chosen Accelerated Green Pathway provides a high-level roadmap for how London can achieve this. Many London boroughs have also declared climate emergencies and set net zero targets.
To deliver these changes, we need to ensure our current infrastructure is resilient to future threats and growth is sustainable. A whole system approach is needed.
Local area energy planning sets out to:
- identify the most effective route for a local area to realise its net zero targets
- translate these targets into coordinated, on-the-ground action
- provide evidence to support progression of net zero projects, such as electric vehicle charge points and heat networks.
This informs London borough Local Plans, which guide decisions on future development proposals and address the needs and opportunities of an area. They also influence utilities’ network investment plans, so the right energy infrastructure is in place to meet future needs.
What is local area energy planning
Local area energy planning is a process to identify the most effective route to decarbonise a local area's energy system, based on the opportunities and constraints in that place. The GLA has adopted the local area energy planning methodology by Energy Systems Catapult, which takes seven steps.
This data-driven approach considers the whole energy system. It's led by regional or local government, and developed collaboratively across sectors. Local area energy planning needs technical modelling as well as engagement. It covers:
- electricity generation, including solar PV
- electricity transmission and distribution systems
- buildings and retrofit
- heat, including heat networks
- transport systems
- market systems and policy.
Subregional Local Area Energy Plans
City Hall is funding and leading subregional Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) across London, in partnership with London Councils, London boroughs, government agencies, industry and regulators.
There are four subregional groups across London, with each plan involving at least five boroughs.
The West London subregional LAEP was completed in July 2023.
Boroughs included Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Richmond and Wandsworth alongside OPDC.
Download West London subregional report (PDF, 3.97MB).
Report appendices will follow shortly.
A Central, Inner East and North London subregional LAEP was completed in December 2024.
Boroughs included Camden, Westminster, Islington, Newham, Hackney, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Enfield, Tower Hamlets, City of London, Kensington and Chelsea.
Download Central, Inner East and North London subregional report (PDF, 12.37MB).
A South London subregional LAEP was completed in December 2024.
Boroughs included Merton, Kingston, Croydon, Sutton, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich.
Download South London subregional report (PDF, 9.3KB).
An East London LAEP is due for completion by Autumn 2025.
Our subregional approach covers the first four steps of the Energy Systems Catapult methodology. Starting at the subregional scale allows for a cross-boundary approach, so energy systems spanning more than one borough are properly considered. It also enables economies of scale, ensures consistency and allows for collaboration.
Subregional LAEPs also includes recommendations for further subregional work. These are focused on cross-borough strategic issues and activities that an individual borough cannot take forward alone. City Hall leads these follow-on studies in collaboration with partners.
Borough Local Area Energy Plans
Following the subregional plans, boroughs are encouraged to complete the final three steps themselves, to reflect their local context and net zero target. Many London boroughs are now completing this process for their area.
- Enfield Local Area Energy Plan
- Tower Hamlets Isle of Dogs Local Area Energy Plan
- Westminster Local Area Energy Plan
We're supporting boroughs to do this. Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Support for boroughs and partners
Find tools, resources and other support to help develop LAEPs.
The LAEP Data Hub is a London-wide mapping tool available online for London boroughs, Mayoral Development Corporations and utilities companies.
You can use this tool to inform local plans, support rollout of new net zero technologies, plan how and when to invest in utility networks and much more.
The hub shows data relevant to local area energy planning and wider decarbonisation projects and strategies. Datasets were collected and developed when creating Local Area Energy Plans in London. They cover energy supply and demand across sectors including buildings, energy infrastructure, industry, socioeconomics, and transport.
Email [email protected] to request access
If you're a borough looking for help with the LAEP process, email [email protected].
You can also get support from our Zero Carbon Accelerator.
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