Purpose

To formally endorse the report, with the recommendation to develop an appropriate investment strategy and proposed programme of delivery. 

Decision

EMCCA Board:

A)     Endorsed the EMCCA Regional Energy Plan, the eight Local Area Energy Plans and the Digital Twin as the strategic evidence base to support regional energy planning, investment prioritisation and delivery of a well-balanced cost-effective and secure energy system.

B)     Supported EMCCA and constituent local authorities to use the Regional and Local Energy Plans and Digital Twin to inform policy, develop delivery roadmaps, identify priority projects and investment opportunities, and establish the governance, assurance and partner engagement needed to deliver the Plans, subject to available resources and capacity.

C)    Agreed that the Green Growth Advisory Board will provide initial advisory oversight of the Regional Energy Plan and associated delivery activity, with all formal decisions remaining subject to the EMCCA Constitution and Scheme of Delegation, and delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to make the necessary amendments to the Board's Terms of Reference.

D)    Agreed that any future funding requests, investment decisions, delivery programmes, procurements, grants, contracts or other legally binding arrangements arising from the Plans are brought forward separately for approval through the appropriate EMCCA governance processes, including business case, SAF, procurement, subsidy control, data protection and legal requirements where applicable.