The role of localised generation and supply of energy is attracting considerable interest both in the UK and internationally.

Local energy systems are a key focus in the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the Prospering from the Energy Revolution programme. Local energy systems are considered to facilitate faster decarbonisation than large scale systems, while providing welfare and economic benefits alongside industrial renewal. Localised systems have also been highlighted by the devolved administrations and local authorities as providing services that are well-adapted to widely varying local conditions and priorities.

This inter-disciplinary conference brought together researchers, practitioners and policy-makers on local energy systems, to consider how best to exploit low carbon sources of energy, and manage or reduce energy demand.