As Bretherton moves towards low-carbon-zero energy, more homes will transition to use electric heat pumps instead of gas, oil, or solid fuels to heat them, and more cars will be electric instead of using diesel or petrol.

Therefore, the future Bretherton’s annual electricity consumption may more than triple from around 756,000 kWh/yr to around 3.4 million kWh/yr as a transition to vehicle, heating and other electrification continues.

As part of its Neighbourhood Planning process, the Parish Council recently asked people questions about the environment and how they use and get their energy.

Worried about keeping their houses warm

Worried about climate change

Worried about keeping their homes safe from bad weather

Worried about the rising cost of fuel

Would support action to explore options around a locally owned/ produced energy supply

of respondents would support action to explore renewable energy projects in our area that could be viably developed by and for the benefit of the whole community.

of respondents would support action to explore options around a locally owned/ produced energy supply.

Our planet is getting hotter. Every decade since the 1980s has been warmer than the one before it. Twenty of the warmest years on record have happened in the last 22 years, and the seven warmest years have all happened since 2015. The top three are 2016, 2019, and 2020.

Global temperatures are over 1 °C higher than pre-industrial times. Man Made greenhouse gas emissions are rising. Climate change has global impacts. Climate change will have dire consequences for global health, economies, food security, flooding, and migration in the coming decades.

Emergency action is needed to reach “net zero” emissions by mid-century and keep global warming within “safe” limits. To limit global warming to 1.5–2°C, greenhouse gas emissions must reach “net-zero” by mid-century. Warming of 2-3 degrees or more by 2100 is likely.

The commitments made in Paris in 2015 to “keep 1.5 C alive” were built on at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in 2021. Net zero commitments now cover more than 90% of the world’s GDP and all of the world’s emissions. Over 30 countries and 6 major automakers have agreed that all new cars and vans sold around the world by 2040 and in leading markets by 2035 will have zero emissions. Over 450 institutions with more than $130 trillion in private assets have agreed to reach net zero goals.

Half of UK electricity comes from low-carbon sources. . Electric cars and better public transport are needed. That takes time, money, and lifestyle changes. Warm and healthy homes, affordable energy, clean air, and green jobs are the benefits.

The proposed Bretherton Energy Partnership is about residents and local businesses working collaboratively together to help to transition from carbon based power to renewable energy being locally sourced.