Rural Energy Hubs
Timescale: 2024-25
Funder: Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme
Overview
The Rural Energy Hubs project is piloting a place-based approach to overcoming non-technical barriers to accelerate decarbonisation in remote and rural communities across Orkney and Shetland.
Locally led ‘hubs’ will provide products, services and facilities across transport, heat and power that are tailored to the needs and opportunities of each location. Hubs will support individuals, businesses and local authorities to accelerate decarbonisation in their communities, maximising social, economic and environmental benefits.
The project tracks alongside the work of the Island Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), a ten-year project driving accelerated action.
Progress
- 2024 Orkney Household Energy Survey: Report published providing analysis and context from the 2024 survey, drawing comparisons with a previous survey and, where relevant, national averages. The report illustrates the energy use, challenges, barriers and opportunities identified by Orkney residents. See press release for more details and to download report.
- Pilot Brae Rural Energy Hub in Shetland: The first pilot Rural Energy Hub is being established in Brae, Shetland, showcasing delivery of a fully integrated, local solution that can be replicated in communities across the UK. Brae Rural Energy Hub is due to open in summer 2025 to provide information and practical solutions to inspire and support communities to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. The warm centre will include an innovative mix of co-working spaces, a café, rapid charging facilities, a car club and e-bike hire.
Partners
Project partners include project lead Aquatera, Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), and Community Energy Scotland. This team brings together significant real-world experience of addressing non-technical barriers to decarbonisation and delivering ambitious projects of this nature.
