Digital twin technology has helped a West Yorkshire borough to identify key priorities and set out a strategic plan for achieving its net zero ambitions by 2038.
Calderdale Council drew upon the support of global climate tech firm, IES to help it develop its Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), which identifies changes to the borough’s buildings and energy generation needed to his the net zero target.
The move sees Calderdale become the first local authority in West Yorkshire to deliver a LAEP, and the only one currently using digital twin technology.
Councillor Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate action and housing, said: “Calderdale met its 2020 target of reducing carbon emissions by 40%, but the borough has bigger, long-term ambitions when it comes to decarbonisation, as part of our priority for climate action.
“To deliver on our net zero targets, we needed a clear plan informed by data to ensure the decisions we make about energy generation are as effective and sustainable as possible.
“As the first borough in West Yorkshire to use intelligent digital twin technology to inform a LAEP, we’re proud to be setting a positive example for other authorities looking to drive forward their decarbonisation journey. IES provided us with robust data and actionable insights to ensure our plans drive forward our long-term vision.”
Calderdale Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. The borough is home to over 200,000 residents and borders Greater Manchester to the West, Bradford to the East, and Huddersfield to the South. Among its principal towns are Halifax, Brighouse, and Hebden Bridge.
Key changes identified by the Local Area Energy Plan are:
- Building efficiency: Retrofitting insulation to over 75,000 homes at a cost of £300m would unlock savings of £50m per year and reduce annual electricity demand by 359GWh
- Heat decarbonisation: Replacing fossil fuel heating systems in 100,000 residential and commercial buildings with low carbon alternatives at an approximate cost of £1.34bn would result in carbon savings of 250,000 tonnes CO2e per year
- Renewable energy generation: A net zero future will mean Calderdale’s electricity consumption would double to 1600GWh per year. A blend of microgeneration through solar, battery storage, and other low carbon electricity sources would be required, along with smart grid upgrades. The rollout of solar alone, in suitable and moderately suitable locations, is estimated to cost just under £500m
- Transport: Almost 38% of the borough’s carbon emissions are derived from transport. It is estimated that over 2,100 public charging points for electric vehicles will be required
- Grid infrastructure: Upgrades will be required at all levels of the network, including upgrading existing grid supply points, constructing new substations, and re-laying/resizing some cables. This work is estimated to require a £40m investment
According to the council, the cumulative investment would unlock a green jobs “bonanza” in the borough, with 3,000 skilled workers needed to deliver the changes required and to provide ongoing maintenance.
Nick Purshouse, IES’ project lead for the Calderdale LAEP, said: “IES’ digital twin technology has been instrumental in delivering Calderdale’s Local Area Energy Plan. It provides a comprehensive, visual model of every building in the area, allowing us to test various low-carbon scenarios with scientific accuracy.
“Our tool not only provides a solid evidence base for decision-making but also enables ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress. It’s charted the path to achieve net-zero by 2038, providing both the confidence and detailed understanding that Calderdale needs to take effective action.”
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