Vale of Glamorgan Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP)

What does it do? 

• Identifies priorities: The plan shows where changes are most needed, such as improving building efficiency in homes and businesses, introducing renewable energy, or supporting low carbon transport.

• Guides investment: It helps identify funding and resources where they will make the biggest difference.

• Supports communities: By mapping out opportunities, the plan ensures residents, businesses, and local organisations can benefit from grants, projects, and new technologies.

Why is it important? 

The LAEP makes sure that our local actions line up with national net zero targets, while reflecting the unique needs of our area. It gives a clear, evidence‑based pathway to cut energy use, lower bills, and create healthier, more sustainable places to live and work. The LAEP works alongside the Council's Climate Challenge Plan 2021-2030 through Project Zero, as well as the Local Development Plan and the Vale of Glamorgan Corporate Plan.

This aligns with National and Regional plans: 

• Legislation and Regulation

  Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2016) – M06

  Environment (Wales) Act (2016) – M07RIIO-GD2 (2021–2026) – M08

  Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) planning functions for transport and economic development – M09RIIO-ED2 (2023–2028) – M10

  Decision on frameworks for energy systems and network investment (2023) – M11

  Decision on future of local energy institutions and governance (2023) – M12

• Energy and Climate change Policy and Strategy 

  Project Zero Climate Change Challenge Plan – ML01Prosperity for All: A Low Carbon Wales Plan (First Carbon Budget) – M13

  Cardiff Capital Region Energy Strategy (2020) – MC31

  Net Zero Wales Carbon Budget 2 (2021–2025) – M03

  Tackling fuel poverty 2021–2035 – M14

  Heat Strategy for Wales (consultation closed 2023) – M15

• Planning Policy 

  Vale of Glamorgan Corporate Plan – ML02

  Strategic Development Plan – MC33

  Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan – ML03

  Future Wales: The national plan 2040 – M16

  Planning Policy Wales (PPW) – M17

  Vale of Glamorgan Replacement Local Development Plan – ML04

• Skills Policy and Plans  

  The Cardiff Capital Region Employment and Skills Plan (2022) – MC32

  Stronger, fairer, greener Wales: a plan for Employability and Skills (2023) – M18 

What does it mean for you? 

• Warmers Homes, Lower Bills - For residents, it could mean warmer homes and lower energy costs.

• Innovate and Thrive - For businesses, it opens up opportunities to innovate and grow in a low-carbon economy.

• Cleaner, Stronger, Greener - For the wider community, it means cleaner air, stronger infrastructure, and a future built on sustainable energy. 

In short, the LAEP is about turning big climate goals into local energy action—making sure our community is ready for the future while delivering real benefits today.

If you would like to get more involved, whether to contribute your views, access grant funding, take part in upcoming pilots, or simply be informed with updates on progress. Please fill in the form:

LAEP Interest Form

Alternatively, contact the LAEP Officer directly at: rwattam@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Why get involved?

Getting involved means more than just supporting a project — it’s about saving money, investing in a resilient future, leading on decarbonisation, and collaborating with partners across the Vale.

With the Council’s backing and the Local Area Energy Plan as a roadmap, you’ll be shaping a sustainable energy future that strengthens communities, unlocks funding, and raises the Vale of Glamorgan’s profile as a leader in climate action.

• 1. Reduce energy and costs

  “Join us to cut energy waste and lower bills — delivering immediate savings while building long‑term resilience.”

  Benefit: Tangible financial wins for organisations and communities.

• 2. Invest 

  “Be part of a future‑proof investment in clean energy and infrastructure that pays back in stability and growth.”

  Benefit: Positions involvement as smart, forward‑looking, and rewarding.

• 3. Decarb 

  “Show leadership by reducing emissions and meeting net zero targets — enhancing your reputation and compliance.”

  Benefit: Appeals to those under pressure to demonstrate climate action.

• 4. Collaborate 

  “Work together across sectors to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities — stronger together, bigger impact.”

  Benefit: Encourages partnership and collective achievement.

• 5. LAEP (Local Area Energy Plan) 

  “Shape the Vale’s energy future with a clear, evidence‑based roadmap — tailored to local needs.”

  Benefit: Involvement means influence in strategic planning and delivery.

• 6. Council Leadership 

  “Backed by the Council, ensuring accountability, access to funding, and alignment with local priorities.”

  Benefit: Adds credibility and governance assurance.

• 7. Vale of Glamorgan 

  “Proudly rooted in the Vale — your involvement strengthens local communities, boosts resilience, and raises the region’s profile nationally.”

  Benefit: Connects participation to place identity and community pride.

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