Policy I/EI: Energy infrastructure masterplanning

Work carried out to assess electricity grid capacity for

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

has highlighted the need to triple capacity to support the development already planned in the area and electrification of transport. The electricity grid serving the

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

area has seen a significant growth in renewable and low carbon energy generation.  Major new developments are often accompanied by new energy generation capacity in order to meet carbon reduction requirements and, in some cases, to meet funding requirements.  The transition to net zero carbon is also placing new pressures on electricity infrastructure, with the electrification of heat and transport all leading to a need for reinforcement and additional capacity on the grid. 

While these capacity issues can be resolved through traditional grid reinforcement routes, there are opportunities to take a more joined up approach to infrastructure provision in order to support the transition to a net zero carbon society and open up the potential for some infrastructure to be forward funded to help speed up the delivery of key development sites.   

While the

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

will be supported by work to assess electricity infrastructure capacity in the area, this assessment is at a very high level, and presents a picture of capacity as a moment in time.  As more detailed work on the masterplanning of strategic developments progresses, greater clarity can be provided as to actual energy requirements and the infrastructure required to support development.  This policy seeks to ensure that this approach is integrated at a very early stage, via the development of energy masterplans for strategic developments.  This approach may also help to support the forward funding of such infrastructure. 

A grid capacity study and energy masterplan has already been developed for the

A joint plan being developed by the Councils for development of the area west of the new Cambridge North train station, together with Cambridge Science Park. Further information can be found on the Councils website: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/north-east-cambridge-area-action-plan

.  This work considered the energy requirements of the North East Cambridge development, current capacity of the primary sub-station serving the area, options to deliver the necessary reinforcement of that sub-station and the energy options to support the development of the site.   Studies for strategic developments could follow a similar format.  

There was support through the First Conversation consultation for the reinforcement of electricity infrastructure, utilising renewable energy generation, smart management and energy storage.  There was a recognition that infrastructure should contribute towards net zero carbon targets, with support for the development of heat networks as well as emerging new technologies such as hydrogen. 

No policy – This is not the preferred approach as energy infrastructure availability has become an important issue in

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

particularly with the growing emphasis on renewable energy.  It is important this addressed in a planned way by major developments rather than on an ad-hoc basis.

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

  : Topic paper 8:

  Includes transport, energy, water, waste, digital/smart, social and green infrastructure.

South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018

• Policy TI/8:

  Includes transport, energy, water, waste, digital/smart, social and green infrastructure.

  and New Developments

Cambridge

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018

• Policy 85:

  Includes transport, energy, water, waste, digital/smart, social and green infrastructure.

  delivery, planning obligations and the Community

  Includes transport, energy, water, waste, digital/smart, social and green infrastructure.

  Levy

Our consultation for this phase is now closed.