Net-Zero Carbon Roadmap for Belfast

Net-Zero Carbon Roadmap for Belfast

We launched a Net-Zero Carbon Roadmap for Belfast with our Resilience Strategy in December 2020. We developed this as a key partner of the Belfast Climate Commission partner through the Place Based Climate Action Network (PCAN). It is designed to influence the city’s net-zero plans and to inform how we can work towards an ambitious target. 

The roadmap identifies transport, buildings and industry as key sectors to decarbonise. The roadmap was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. The project is led by Grantham Institute at LSE with the cities and universities of Leeds, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Read the roadmap (link opens in a new window).

Work is underway with city partners to develop a Carbon Action Plan.

Belfast Local Area Energy Plan

This comprehensive report outlines the plan for Belfast city to transition to clean, renewable energy sources to help achieve the city’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.

The plan provides a strong evidence base that will underpin a series of net zero investments across the city. It demonstrates the collective intent of partners to decarbonise the city whilst also generating jobs and prosperity for people who live and work in Belfast. Estimates show that shifting to these low carbon pathways could create over 500 new green jobs.

Based on whole system modelling, the plan identifies the most cost-effective pathways to decarbonise whilst maximising the co-benefits to local communities. It identifies priority areas including energy efficiency upgrades for buildings, expanding rooftop solar and transitioning to low carbon heating.

As the first Local Area Energy Plan to be developed in Northern Ireland, it incorporates the region’s unique characteristics including its geothermal resource as well as its biomethane and hydrogen potential which will enable us to move towards a more circular economy that utilises our local assets and resources instead of relying on imported fossil fuels for our energy needs.

The Belfast Local Area Energy Plan is an exciting and crucial initiative for our city's sustainable future. With commitment and collaboration between council, utilities, businesses, universities and residents, Belfast can become a model for clean energy adoption.

Read the Belfast Local Area Energy Plan (link opens in new window)