Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP)
Like every county in Wales, Neath Port Talbot has developed a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), a forward-thinking and ambitious roadmap outlining how the county could move towards a net zero energy system by 2050.
This plan was shaped in collaboration with key local partners, including businesses and community organisations, recognising that achieving meaningful reductions in carbon emissions will require collective action and support from across our communities.
The LAEP takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of our energy system — from energy generation and transport, to building efficiency, heating, energy networks, and industrial processes.
The Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) sets out to encourage affordable and efficient approaches to generating, distributing, and storing energy, all while cutting carbon emissions. It also aims to strengthen energy security and resilience, bring down energy costs, and support the development of infrastructure that aligns with the future needs of our communities.
LAEP for NPT
This map highlights some of the areas and decarbonisation measures that could take place in them.
Download the Neath Port Talbot Local Area Energy Plan.
What can I do at home?
To help Neath Port Talbot decarbonise and improve the energy efficiency of your home you can:
- improve the insulation of your home to reduce energy demand
- install energy efficient lights and appliances
- switch from gas or oil to greener alternatives such as a heat pump
- install an EV charger to enable the switch to an electric vehicle
- install solar panels and a battery to generate and store energy
- install a Smart meter to enable you to take advantage of tariffs which reward you for using energy outside of peak demand
- install solar thermal panels to provide hot water
These measures could also save you money on your energy bills.
What can I do at work?
Develop a carbon reduction plan to help reduce your workplace’s carbon emissions. A carbon reduction plan will look at:
- your transport and how you can transition to low and zero emission vehicles
- how you manage waste
- the energy efficiency of your buildings
- where your energy comes from
- responsible sourcing of goods and services from your supply chain
You can use your plan to:
- identify emissions sources
- set reduction targets
- implement actions to lower greenhouse gas emissions
What can my community do?
Get together with your neighbours to form a community group. There are community groups that:
- install solar panels, EV chargers and batteries at community buildings to reduce running costs or provide income
- install wind turbines to provide cheaper energy for members and benefits for the local community
- provide energy advice and retrofit advice for their local community
- campaign for active travel routes
- provide car-sharing opportunities
Opportunities and benefits
Networks
The LAEP helps grid operators:
- plan investments
- unlock capacity to support the timely connection of new renewable energy projects
- meet the rising electricity demand needed for Net Zero
Building energy efficiency
Enhancing insulation and ventilation makes buildings:
- warmer
- more affordable to heat
- healthier to live in
Retrofitting homes and workplaces also creates jobs and stimulates the local economy.
Heating systems
To reach Net Zero, we must switch from gas and oil boilers to low-carbon heating like heat pumps and urban heat networks. This presents major opportunities for the local supply chain, if we invest in upskilling the regional workforce.
Investment needs
Achieving a Net Zero energy system by 2050 will need substantial public and private investment across all these areas.
Resources
Great British Insulation Scheme
You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills - https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
Community Energy Wales
An organisation supporting local communities to deliver renewable energy projects - https://communityenergy.wales/
Green Homes Wales
Green Homes Wales is a Welsh Government initiative, designed to support eligible homeowners in making energy efficient improvements to their homes - https://developmentbank.wales/green-homes-wales
