Accelerating transitions? Planning for decarbonisation in local and regional energy systems

Local and regional energy systems are recognised as an important area of the global transition to clean energy, but one which requires novel approaches to energy governance. In this paper, we frame local and regional energy systems as experimental spaces for the introduction of new technologies and processes. We reflect on certain acceleration conditions that are needed to move beyond this experimentation phase to meet transition goals, and in particular the role of user intermediaries to enable these systems. Focussing on this acceleration phase of transitions, we analyse three distinct aspects of planning in the local and regional energy system transition in Great Britain - local government-led energy planning, dispersed industrial site decarbonisation, and business planning for the electricity distribution networks We discuss how a ‘governance gap’ has developed, due to a patchwork approach to energy planning, with roles and responsibilities poorly defined and policy only targeting one user intermediary role. We suggest the lack of coherence across energy planning is limiting the ability of local and regional systems to accelerate to meet the UK's net zero target.