Cities for Open and Participative Planning for Electricity grid Resilience

Clean, flexible, decentralised, and digital energy systems are central to meeting the EUs goal of climate neutrality by 2050 (https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en; European Green Deal, EC, 2019). Renewables deployment is rapidly progressing, to meet rising electricity demand of 6,800 TWh by 2050 (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/green-deal/fit-for-55-the-eu-plan-for-a-green-transition/; Fit for 55, EC, 2021). However, poor management of this intermittent energy already leads to costly grid congestion, particularly in NSR countries where renewable generation is world leading. If no action is taken, 565bn will be required for grid reinforcement by 2030 (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-22/eu-set-to-pave-way-for-565b-euro-overhaul-of-electricity-grid/; https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-22/eu-set-to-pave-way-for-565b-euro-overhaul-of-electricity-grid/; https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-22/eu-set-to-pave-way-for-565b-euro-overhaul-of-electricity-grid/; Local authorities (LAs) will gradually take over from Distribution System Operators (DSOs) as lead coordinators of the future energy system, unlocking the necessary green investments locally e.g. full-electric neighbourhoods in the Netherlands cannot connect to the grid. LAs will lead the delivery of this flexible and net zero energy grid of the future, supported by DSOs (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/e%20n/ip_22_3131; REPowerEU Plan, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/e%20n/ip_22_3131;EC, 2022). Objective: COPPER supports NSR LAs to fulfil their emerging role as local energy grid coordinators (https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/call-input-future-local-energy-institutions-and-governance; 2022). It positions NSR as a pioneer in future local energy system management, benefitting all energy stakeholders through flexible and clean energy grids. It builds local capacity by delivering a joint digital toolbox guiding NSR cities in local energy planning, market facilitation, and infrastructure delivery. Pilots: DSOs support COPPER cities to deliver smart grid pilots across 6 unique NSR policy contexts (generation, mobility, storage, monitoring) to increase local renewables uptake, improve grid flexibility, and reduce costs for developers and communities. Pilot outputs will help to build LAs capacity to coordinate and deliver long-term local focussed energy strategy. Novel Transnational Approach: Each territorys energy policy and market generate unique technology and commercial solutions. COPPER brings these together for cities collaborative learning to inform the local energy plans (LEPs) and replication beyond. Overall Objective: COPPER enables NSR local authorities to fulfil their role as coordinators of the future net zero local energy grid, demonstrated through smart grid pilots in 6 unique NSR policy contexts. It generates direct benefits for North Sea local authorities through European knowledge and industry networks.