This year in July, the UK government passed the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This is a primary piece of legislation passed through the house of parliament.
It is considered a landmark piece of legislation which aims to deepen local governance and empower regional authorities and district councils with greater control and authority in relation to developments from an economic, infrastructure, and energy generation perspective.
The bill and its proposed devolved arrangements is lauded as a positive step toward more responsive and locally tailored governance. It also however introduces complexity, particularly in how regional energy strategies are managed by constituent authorities and how this may diverge from national energy policy.
This blog explores the potential implications of the new UK devolution act on energy generation, the opportunities it presents for local innovation from the transition of relevant power, and the potential tensions the devolved arrangements may create with national objectives.
The Devolution Act: A New Era for Local Energy Autonomy and What It Entails
The UK Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill grants Metro Mayors and Constituent Authorities enhanced and relevant powers to shape their own energy futures. These powers include but are not limited to functions in relation to those shown below.
- Planning and consenting authority in relation to local renewable energy projects.
- Control over local energy efficiency schemes and building standards.
- Influence over authority in relation to regional grid infrastructure and investments.
- Access to devolved arrangements including funding for clean energy innovation and community energy projects.
The shift is part of a broad strategy empowered by the Labour party to decentralise statutory function and decision-making to assist in the acceleration of the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050.
The creation of new public bodies like Great British Energy and the National Energy System Operator is designed to support this transition while maintaining a level of national oversight.
Opportunities for Regional Innovation
With these new powers, regions such as district councils could tailor energy strategies to their unique geographic, economic, and social contexts.
For example the following constituent authorities could seek to develop.
- Greater Manchester may prioritise hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation, leveraging its manufacturing base.
- Cornwall could expand its offshore wind and geothermal energy projects.
- West Midlands might focus on electrification and battery storage to support its automotive sector.
This localised approach theoretically allows for faster deployment of renewables, wider and greater community engagement, and potentially a more resilient energy system. Localised devolved arrangements could also enable experimentation with community-owned energy models, smart grid roll out and technologies, and district heating schemes that may not be feasible under a centralised model and earlier regulations.
Local vs National Energy Policy
However, this autonomy also raises a critical and serious question: what happens when regional energy choices at a district council level conflict with national priorities?
1. Grid Integration Challenges
The UK’s energy grid is a national system, and decisions made at the local level could have an effect countrywide. For instance, if a region prioritises solar and wind without investing in flexible backup generation, it could strain the grid during periods of low output. Conversely, a region that delays renewable deployment could hinder national decarbonisation targets.
2. Policy Misalignment
National policy may prioritise nuclear energy or carbon capture and storage (CCS). Whilst some regions oppose these technologies. This could lead to planning delays, and potential legal disputes.
3. Equity Release and Access
Regions and district councils with more resources or political sway may advance faster, creating energy inequalities. For instance, wealthier areas might deploy technologies, while others struggle to upgrade aging infrastructure and critically reduce fuel poverty.
Coordinated Governance?
To mitigate the potential risk, the government has proposed a “Devolution Framework for Energy”, which includes:
- Joint planning mechanisms with local and national authorities.
- Incentives for collaboration, such as pooled funding for cross-boundary projects.
- A strengthened role for the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to ensure grid stability and strategic coherence.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Constituent Authorities and National Policy
The 2025 Devolution Act is a step toward a democratic and locally responsive energy system. It aims to empower regions to take charge of their energy futures, its devolved arrangements seeks to unlock opportunities for innovation, and brings decision-making closer to the district councils and therefore the communities it affects.
Yet, with this relevant power comes heightened responsibility and subsequent complexity. The success of this model will depend on clear communication, robust coordination, and a shared commitment to the UK’s climate goals.
If managed well, the Devolution Act could become a tool for a greener, fairer energy future. If not, it risks creating a patchwork of policies that undermine national policy and decarbonisation progress.
The future of UK energy will now be forged not only in Westminster, but in town halls, district councils, and constituent authorities across the country.
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