From efficiency improvements which are cutting bills and carbon, to local generation improving revenue for local businesses and flexible energy demand keeping supplies secure, local energy is transforming Greater Manchester. The region was at the heart of the energy transformation during the industrial revolution and is well placed to be a world leader in the transformation to an efficient, local and low carbon system today.

The report showcases local, efficient and low carbon energy projects across the region to highlight how local authorities, businesses, industry and residents are driving the change to meet carbon reduction targets, improve  competitiveness and health and wellbeing.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Green  Deal  Communities  Little  Bill  Programme, which supported 1,240 fuel poor homes with energy retrofit works, and the  energy efficient combined heat and power generation at Cargill which reduces the carbon footprint of the company by more than 10,000 tonnes a year, are two of the case studies featured. 

Greater Manchester has set itself an ambitious challenge to be carbon neutral by 2040 and while the city region is not yet on track to deliver on this ambition, great progress has been made and there is potential to achieve much more. The report reveals the progress already made and the future local energy potential: 

• 903,000 significant upgrades to home efficiency since 2005 and potential to upgrade a further 800,000 homes which currently have Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D or lower.
• Improved energy performance of buildings across Greater Manchester, with a reduction in the number of buildings with the lowest energy performance ratings of F or G from 25 % in 2009 to 12% in 2016. However, this means there are still 5,500 businesses in these lowest bands.
• 3% of electricity demand being met from renewable energy sources and potential growth to 9%.
• Six major heat networks in the region supplying heat to around 3,000 premises saving 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year. Three additional heat networks in advanced development will save an addition 5,790 tonnes of CO₂ a year.
• 37 megawatts (MW) of energy efficient combined heat and power generation has been installed by businesses across Greater Manchester. In the future, across the North West, CHP could cost-effectively provide 19 terawatt hours of heat per year and create 90 jobs for each MW installed.
• There are an increasing number of businesses providing flexibility services to the grid operator (demand side response) and up to 175MW near-term potential.  

Through investment in the energy performance of its buildings and in local energy supply, Greater Manchester will meet its targets, maintain its economic competitiveness and to be a place that people want – and can afford – to live and work.