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Regional Energy Transitions in England: The Governing Role of Combined Authorities in the Decarbonisation of Heating

Littlewood, Susannah LU (2021) IMEM01 20211
The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
Abstract
In order to meet its carbon targets, the UK must address the decarbonisation of the currently
fossil-fuel dependent system of heating. Buildings and heat strategy at the national level has
been insufficient in combatting this issue, and it is increasingly suggested that more local and
regional approaches will be needed to accelerate the transition to low carbon heating. There is
scope for further understanding of the merits of regional governance in this regard. This thesis
therefore uses a multiple case study to explore the governing role that combined authorities, a
form of regional government, play in low carbon heat strategy in England. It does so by
investigating the strategies pursued, and the barriers and enablers faced... (More)
In order to meet its carbon targets, the UK must address the decarbonisation of the currently
fossil-fuel dependent system of heating. Buildings and heat strategy at the national level has
been insufficient in combatting this issue, and it is increasingly suggested that more local and
regional approaches will be needed to accelerate the transition to low carbon heating. There is
scope for further understanding of the merits of regional governance in this regard. This thesis
therefore uses a multiple case study to explore the governing role that combined authorities, a
form of regional government, play in low carbon heat strategy in England. It does so by
investigating the strategies pursued, and the barriers and enablers faced by combined
authorities and their constituent local authorities in relation to the decarbonisation of heating.
It uses data collected from climate and energy strategies published by combined authorities
and their constituent local authorities, and from interviews conducted with authority officers.
This thesis employs thematic analysis based on a conceptual framework drawn primarily from
literature on Regional Energy Transitions. The research finds that the strategies pursued by
combined authorities and their constituent local authorities share many similarities, but that
combined authorities tend to take a broader strategic view while the local authorities
implement projects. The results suggest that while the decarbonisation of heating is an
emerging issue at the regional level, there are multiple opportunities for combined authorities
to influence in this area, both directly and as an enabler and facilitator of action. Many of these
opportunities are already being acted upon and can be built upon going forward. These
opportunities include carrying out energy planning for the region, steering funding towards
the decarbonisation of heating, sharing good practice at a regional level, and lobbying
government for policy changes. Areas for future research include comparing access to funding
between local authorities who are members of combined authorities and those who are not, to
understand if combined authority membership adds an advantage; investigating public
engagement on this issue from combined authorities and local authorities; and investigating
the role of other local and regional bodies such as Local Enterprise Partnerships and Energy
Hubs. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Littlewood, Susannah LU
supervisor
organization
course
IMEM01 20211
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Decarbonisation of Heating, Regional Energy Transitions, Combined Authorities
report number
2021.19
ISSN
1401-9191
language
English
id
9061979
date added to LUP
2021-09-14 13:57:41
date last changed
2021-09-14 13:57:41
@misc{9061979,
  abstract     = {{In order to meet its carbon targets, the UK must address the decarbonisation of the currently 
fossil-fuel dependent system of heating. Buildings and heat strategy at the national level has 
been insufficient in combatting this issue, and it is increasingly suggested that more local and 
regional approaches will be needed to accelerate the transition to low carbon heating. There is 
scope for further understanding of the merits of regional governance in this regard. This thesis 
therefore uses a multiple case study to explore the governing role that combined authorities, a 
form of regional government, play in low carbon heat strategy in England. It does so by
investigating the strategies pursued, and the barriers and enablers faced by combined 
authorities and their constituent local authorities in relation to the decarbonisation of heating.
It uses data collected from climate and energy strategies published by combined authorities 
and their constituent local authorities, and from interviews conducted with authority officers.
This thesis employs thematic analysis based on a conceptual framework drawn primarily from 
literature on Regional Energy Transitions. The research finds that the strategies pursued by 
combined authorities and their constituent local authorities share many similarities, but that 
combined authorities tend to take a broader strategic view while the local authorities 
implement projects. The results suggest that while the decarbonisation of heating is an 
emerging issue at the regional level, there are multiple opportunities for combined authorities
to influence in this area, both directly and as an enabler and facilitator of action. Many of these 
opportunities are already being acted upon and can be built upon going forward. These 
opportunities include carrying out energy planning for the region, steering funding towards 
the decarbonisation of heating, sharing good practice at a regional level, and lobbying 
government for policy changes. Areas for future research include comparing access to funding 
between local authorities who are members of combined authorities and those who are not, to 
understand if combined authority membership adds an advantage; investigating public 
engagement on this issue from combined authorities and local authorities; and investigating 
the role of other local and regional bodies such as Local Enterprise Partnerships and Energy 
Hubs.}},
  author       = {{Littlewood, Susannah}},
  issn         = {{1401-9191}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Regional Energy Transitions in England: The Governing Role of Combined Authorities in the Decarbonisation of Heating}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}