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Ready for RESP: Skills and resourcing for local decarbonisation planning

Guide 3 from the Ready for RESP programme focuses on what skills and resources are needed in a local authority to help prepare for this new policy.

Experience Level:

Smart Client

Guide

Provided by: Energy Systems Catapult

Part of: Ready for RESP: Regional Energy Strategic Plans

Topics

Capability and skills Funding and financing Planning considerations Stakeholders Local area energy planning (LAEP) Local decarbonisation planning Regional Energy Strategic Planning (RESP)

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Ready for RESP: Skills and resourcing

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Net Zero Go says:

It is important to start building an understanding of RESP now as Regional Energy Strategic Plans will shape where, when, and how energy network investment happens for the next decade and beyond. Early engagement will help councils understand how local data, priorities, and ambitions can influence strategic infrastructure decisions, rather than reacting once plans are set.

This guide supports that journey by setting out the skills, resources, and organisational considerations needed to engage effectively with RESP, helping teams identify capacity and data gaps, plan ahead, and embed energy planning into business‑as‑usual decision-making. Developing RESP literacy now will ensure that local authorities are better prepared to participate effectively when formal RESP processes begin.

Ready for RESP: Skills and resourcing for local decarbonisation planning

Regional Energy Strategic Plans are designed to bring local needs into national energy investment. Our latest Ready for RESP guide focuses on the question councils keep asking: What skills and resources do we actually need to do this well?

This guide includes real-world resourcing examples, common skills gaps (especially GIS and analytical capacity), and case studies from councils already doing local energy planning.

If you’re working on Net Zero, infrastructure, or place-based planning, this one’s for you.

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