Local Energy Systems: Institutional Maps of Great Britain, 2022

Britton, Jess (2025). Local Energy Systems: Institutional Maps of Great Britain, 2022. [Data Collection]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Service. 10.5255/UKDA-SN-857308

This project explored the development of locally integrated energy systems in Great Britain. It compared development across England, Scotland and Wales in order to investigate the interactions between the different policy frameworks across GB and the local/regional energy business models, partnerships and funding mechanisms in use.

Data description (abstract)

The purpose of this project was to explore the institutions and organisations that are shaping the development of local energy systems in Great Britain, comparing England, Scotland and Wales. The project was part of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC).

Institutional mapping explores functional relationships and powers relevant to decision-making. It focuses on the key actors, their interactions, where power is located, who has the ability to influence and make decisions, and sources of funding. The objective is to create a (simplified) visual representation of the different groups and organizations within a community and their relationships and importance for decision-making. In order to explore the governance frameworks and actor networks for LES in England, Wales and Scotland governance mapping was carried out for the three jurisdictions. Draft institutional maps of local energy systems in England, Scotland and Wales were developed through a desk-based review of key organisations, (formal) institutions, rules, relationships and decision-making power based on a database of LES relevant strategy documents and policy instruments (data also deposited). These maps were validated based on interviews with energy system stakeholders to valuate accuracy, and explore informal agenda setting power, future policy needs and governance gaps. Interviews were carried out with a total of 21 people, across 18 organisations, including government, local authorities, distribution network operators, regulators, consultants and NGOs. Maps were revised and finalised based on interview outputs and published in September 2022. The institutional maps developed are deposited here together with the interview schedule.

Data creators: