THE MISSION
Sussex Energy aims for Sussex to achieve net zero energy status by 2040, enhancing energy security, driving down energy bills and addressing urgent climate concerns, at the same time as driving economic growth. Energy demand is currently more than 14 times greater than zero carbon energy supply in Sussex.
The approach is to be a catalyst for ongoing, low carbon energy work by:
• Convening people to gain efficiencies from sharing knowledge, experience and future endeavours.
• Being a single voice to tackle common challenges.
• Telling the big story of Sussex Energy to get the area known for its great work in the energy space.
• Attracting funding.
• Strategically plan scaled solutions to address the gap between zero carbon energy supply and energy demand.
UPDATE
Awareness and relationships have been actively built, for example with the following organisations:
• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Local authorities (districts, boroughs and counties)
• NHS Sussex
• Rampion windfarm
• Community Energy Organisations
• Other support organisations e.g. Greater South East Net Zero Hub, UKPN.
Meetings have been held to discuss funding and capacity. The following are key takeaways:
• Identifying and securing diverse funding sources is important. I.e. public, private, community, explore monetising energy solutions.
• Procurement is powerful and should be used as a lever (e.g. for shaping the market, developing supply chains & skills, etc).
• The core capacity structure needed to drive Sussex Energy forward:
1. Network of collaborators of sustainability experts to shape the direction.
2. Core team (funding needed to establish this) – Technical expertise, economic expertise and community energy organisation expertise needed to do feasibility work, project selection/development, etc.
3. Thematic working groups (energy production, energy demand reduction, skills and jobs) to provide expertise.
An update on Sussex Energy was provided to the Board in the October meeting and was received positively.
NEXT STEPS
• Formalise a regular meeting of Sussex Energy network of collaborators.
• Use network of collaborators to shape bid for funding for core team including a financial contribution from GBEB to strengthen it.
• Create Sussex Energy roadmap.
You can read more about the work here. Or contact Greater Brighton here.