The UK Action Plan is concerned with the implementation of the government Net Zero Strategy. Our key objective is to create the IRENES Land Use Tool (ILUT) to improve decision making and planning processes. This tool will provide GIS data and analytical capabilities to allow local government stakeholders to better assess options, land use trade-offs and synergies when evaluating renewable energy options in their areas.

To help implement the Action Plan we have obtained additional funding (£20k) from the BEIS Greater South East Net Zero Hub and five County Councils to fund the development of a pilot tool for the IRENES region. A technical steering group has been established with nine member organisations and has so far met three times.

A pilot tool has been created within the Parish Online software and the key capabilities required discussed with stakeholders during Steering Group meetings. The image shows some of the initial data layers added to the pilot tool. Further development is now incorporating an opportunity checker capability and information on electricity network capacity from the UK Power Networks Open Data Portal.