RIIO ED2 Stakeholder Engagement – Shaping Our Energy Future: Local Area Energy Plans and Future Energy (Scotland)

Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) is a process to inform, shape and enable key aspects of the transition to a net zero energy system. As a DNO, our role is to enable this transition for all consumers and network users.

The DFES process enables SSEN to have a more detailed view of what will connect to their network in the future. From domestic low carbon technologies such as electric vehicle chargers or heat pumps, through to larger energy generation and storage projects such as commercial batteries or wind farms. Developed with Regen, the DFES assesses the growth of projects connecting to SSEN’s networks out to 2050.

The shift to net zero energy systems will require changes to our network, as electricity demand and the need to connect cleaner sources of energy generation increases.  As part of RIIO ED2, SSEN will therefore need to make strategic investments to its network to meet this need. The purpose of these events is:

• To engage stakeholders on the LAEP process and how SSEN can support all local stakeholders in developing and implementing their plans
• To tap into stakeholders’ local and domain knowledge and insights and increase our understanding of local investment needs for the electricity system, future energy technologies and developments which will influence our plans for future network developments

• Discuss the potential growth and location of future energy technologies and developments, which will influence our plans for preparing our network for the future
• To gauge views on the uptake of new or disruptive technologies such as hydrogen electrolysis, battery storage, electric vehicles and heat pumps