The Climate Change and Natural Resources Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 28 January 2025 to discuss the Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) and the progress of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Swansea. Key decisions included the ongoing development of the LAEP, which aims to achieve net-zero by 2050, and the continued rollout of EV charging points across the city, with a focus on addressing challenges such as on-street charging for residents without driveways.

Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP)

The panel received a comprehensive update on the Swansea Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), a strategic document developed to achieve the city's Net Zero 2050 target. This plan is not solely a council initiative but a regional effort involving Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire, with support from consultants City Science. The LAEP considers various pathways to decarbonisation, including widespread engagement focusing on behaviour change, widespread adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps, and a hydrogen-focused approach, particularly for heavy vehicles.

Six intervention areas have been identified: building efficiency and retrofits, building heating, transport, industry, generation, and the impact on the energy network. The plan assesses the carbon emissions, indicative costs, and energy reduction potential of various actions. A key regional action is the development of a governance structure, which is being managed through the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) energy group. The panel noted that the plan is a living document and will be influenced by UK and Welsh Government policy, available funding, private sector decisions, and technological advancements.

Discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration with utility companies like Welsh Water (WWU) and National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) to ensure that generation and network actions are aligned. The plan also includes specific actions for industry and renewable energy schemes, with the Local Development Plan (LDP) being updated to facilitate these ambitions. The panel acknowledged that while some actions are specific to Swansea, others require regional cooperation to achieve economies of scale.

Councillor Chris Evans raised concerns about the inclusion of local residents as stakeholders in Appendix B of the LAEP report, which was clarified as an oversight due to the tight timetable for consultation. He also inquired about the suitability of housing stock for heat pump technology, particularly older, non-standard construction properties in areas like West Cross. A written response will be provided on this matter. The availability of grants for residents to install heat pumps was also discussed, with mention of ECO grants, UK government schemes offering up to £7,500, and interest-free loans through the Green Homes Wales Development Bank.

The panel also discussed the Swansea Standard for new builds, which focuses on high energy performance of the building envelope, incorporating solar PV, battery storage, and ground source heat pumps. The standard is significantly more energy-efficient than current building regulations. The potential for using car parks for solar panel installations to generate electricity and reduce pressure on greenfield sites was explored, with the understanding that grid connection capacity remains a significant challenge.

Regarding renewable energy, the panel noted that planning permission exists for a solar farm on the former Tia John's landfill site, with a potential capacity of 11 megawatts. However, the return on investment for solar canopies on car parks is currently a barrier unless linked to a building or a clear grid connection. The planning framework for the Gower National Landscape was discussed, with an Article 4 direction in place to control development, including micro-generation, to protect the area's character. While planning permission is required for certain micro-generation installations in the Gower, no fee is charged.

The potential for micro-hydro projects was also raised, with the understanding that while feasible in some locations with sufficient water flow, grid connection capacity and the cost of private wire connections can be prohibitive. The council is working with its retrofit contractor, Amoresco, to explore such opportunities.

Public EV Charging Infrastructure

The panel received an update on the progress of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Swansea. Since 2020, the council has installed 106 charge points across 37 locations, representing approximately 50% of the total EV charging provision in Swansea. These charge points are grant-funded and powered by 100% renewable electricity, having delivered over 257,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, enabling approximately 900,000 miles of EV usage and saving around 203,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions.

A key focus of the discussion was the pilot scheme for on-street charging, aimed at residents who do not have access to a driveway. This initiative is in its initial stages, with the council awaiting the outcome of a grant funding application. The process involves obtaining planning permission, working with eligible residents, and conducting highways reviews. A Section 178 license is being drafted to permit private apparatus on the highway, protecting the council from liability. The pilot is expected to commence around autumn, pending grant funding and necessary approvals.

Challenges encountered in the rollout of EV charging infrastructure include delays in receiving MPAN numbers from National Grid and supply chain issues with meter cabinets. These delays have impacted the energising and commissioning of charge points, particularly in the second phase of delivery. The council is working to expedite these processes, with jointing works at Calais expected to commence in the coming weeks.

Enforcement of EV charging bays was also discussed, with clarification that a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be in place, allowing for enforcement against vehicles parked in bays without charging, or electric vehicles not actively charging. Signage will clearly indicate recharging bay only to ensure compliance.

The panel also explored the possibility of charging for e-cargo bikes, which currently falls under Active Travel. While there are no immediate plans for dedicated e-bike charging infrastructure, the Active Travel team is exploring funding for secure cycle parking and e-bike charging as part of future developments. The challenges of charging larger e-cargo bikes at home were acknowledged.

Discussions also touched upon the potential for hydrogen as a fuel source, particularly for larger vehicles. The council is in discussions with Welsh Government regarding a potential hydrogen bus trial. However, the high cost of hydrogen vehicles and the lack of refuelling infrastructure currently make it a non-viable option for the council's fleet. The panel noted that the market for hydrogen is immature, and costs are expected to decrease as the market develops.

The pricing of EV charging in private car parks was raised, with the understanding that these are not controlled by the council and vary significantly. The council aims to ensure its own charging points offer competitive rates and complement the commercial offering in Swansea.

The meeting also included discussions on the work plan for the CCN Panel for 2024-25.