Energy is fundamental to a modern society, powering our homes, businesses, transport and infrastructure
Billions are spent to import energy into our area, and we are exposed to local pollution, regional grid constraints, and global geopolitical instability. We waste to much of this energy and many of our residents and businesses struggle to afford their bills.
Sussex has huge opportunities to generate our own clean power, building resilience and cutting waste, whilst boosting the green economy, and so improving our local environment
Transforming our energy systems is a huge economic opportunity. A way of creating thousands of well paid jobs in the local economy whilst cutting emissions
We call upon the mayor to focus on
Energy efficiency
We must be more energy efficient by improving building fabric, transport, and heating systems. We also need to reduce car use, expand cycling and public transport, and switch to electric vehicles, which are far more energy efficient than petrol or diesel
Transition to renewable and low carbon technologies
Major investment in local renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, tidal and hydro power is required. We need a Sussex energy plan to shift from fossil fuels to electricity, that recognises that demand for clean electricity will rise sharply, requiring more renewable generation and a stronger electricity grid
The benefits of an energy transformation
Investing in local renewable energy will lower household and business bills, strengthen energy security, and create skilled local jobs. Cleaner electricity and more resilient infrastructure will also cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve reliability and support a healthier environment
Grid capacity
A Sussex Mayor needs to press the Government for speedy national grid investment to ensure it has the capacity to deliver what’s needed to meet our energy transformation to renewables across residential, public and business sectors
Maximise the take-up of the Warmer Homes Plan
Ensure support for home-owners, renters and those in social housing is maximised with clear targets for Unitary Authorities, public information campaigns and proactive support for vulnerable communities
Our future new buildings
All new residential, public sector and business premises to deliver net zero emissions
Sussex Climate And Nature Network 