New Report Calls for Public-Private Partnerships to Achieve UK’s Net Zero Goals
A new report from think-tank Localis has argued that the UK’s local authorities will play a crucial role in achieving the country’s net zero goals. The report, titled “Generating Hope: Local Power in Partnership,” calls for a new model of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge the gap between national ambitions, local action, and community benefit.
The report, commissioned by E.ON UK, highlights the need for Local Power Plans to drive the decentralization and decarbonization of the UK’s energy system. These plans, a key component of Great British Energy (GB Energy), will provide a framework for grants, investment, and development that will not only contribute to achieving net zero, but also deliver local economic growth and secure community energy provision.
To make these plans politically viable at the local level, the report suggests that the government should consider shifting the capital burden of renewable infrastructure away from household bill levies. This will help keep local residents onside with plans to overhaul energy generation.
According to the report, PPPs will be crucial in mobilizing resources, expertise, and funding for local energy projects and community-led initiatives. These partnerships must be strategic, long-term, and able to address socio-economic disparities, the study argues.
Joe Fyans, head of research at Localis, said, “Local authorities will be essential in achieving net zero, as a significant portion of UK carbon emissions fall within their scope of action.” He added, “The solutions to these problems must emphasize the potential for renewable energy to address socio-economic challenges related to the energy trilemma of sustainability, security, and affordability.”
Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, said, “If we are serious about unleashing the full power of the local state, it is clear Local Power Plans will require a new model of strategic, long-term energy partnerships.” He added, “By fostering direct collaboration among local energy stakeholders, these new model partnerships could bypass traditional barriers to innovation and allow for more agile and resilient responses to local energy challenges, empowering communities and reinvesting profits locally.”
The report also makes a series of policy recommendations to central and local government and industry, including:
– Producing legislation to formalize local area energy planning and integrating it with the Local Plan process
– Consolidating funding streams for clean energy projects in local areas
– Building community capacity to engage with energy projects
– Establishing regional energy data centers to help local authorities make evidence-led plans
– Streamlining the application process for grid connection
– Investing in local government skills programs to allow councils to recruit, train, and retain staff who can engage with the energy market
To ensure the success of Local Power Plans, the report also recommends that central government provide support for procurement, planning applications, and the building of public-private partnerships, while local government should focus on providing robust data and measurement mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
To view the full report, visit https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Localis-Generating-Hope-Report-A5-MAR25-PRF05-Interactive.pdf.
Contact information for press enquiries:
Jonathan Werran
Chief Executive, Localis
Telephone: 0870 448 1530
Mobile: 07967 100328
Email: jonathan.werran@localis.org.uk
About Localis:
Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform, and localism. They carry out innovative research, hold events, and facilitate a network of members to stimulate and challenge the current governance of the UK.
For more information, visit www.localis.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.