Understanding the green energy potential of urban greenspaces

Over the next 20-30 years Scotland’s energy landscape is likely to change dramatically as we transition away from an energy system based on fossil fuel based energy sources to solutions based on renewable technologies. The implications of such a far reaching transformation are huge and our towns and cities are in the front line.  They face unprecedented modification. As part of the ParkPower project we are seeking to understand some of the impacts of these changes particularly in terms of the potential opportunities they might offer our green and blue spaces.

The intention is that ParkPower, or the potential of greenspace, will become a key component in a Council's Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), contribute to Local Energy Masterplans and help meet targets in sustainability and climate change action plans.

A strategic approach to analyse the assets of greenspaces

We are developing a data-driven model using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to undertake an opportunity mapping process to assess the ‘natural viability’ of sites across a local authority portfolio of greenspaces. This will utilise a range of data sources, including the Ordnance Survey Greenspace and Scotland's Heat Map and is based on matching long-term demand with the ability to supply green energy. The green energy technologies under consideration include heat pumps, hydro, solar PV, wind, district heating, solar thermal, battery storage and vehicle charging.

We are also looking at the potential for green energy projects on a park-specific scale. This will enable park managers and community groups to identify energy use scenarios commonly found in greenspaces. We will also suggest appropriate technologies that should be considered and propose suitable project development strategies and organisational/ financial structures to maximise the likelihood of a successful project.

Making greenspaces more financially sustainable

ParkPower is also exploring how green energy projects in public greenspaces can help deliver financial income and long-term savings. Green energy projects provide the opportunity to make parks more financially self-sustaining and additionally have the potential to reduce our carbon footprint, tackle fuel poverty, buffer Scotland against rising fossil fuel prices and provide educational opportunities. ParkPower is underpinned by a ‘circular energy economy’ concept based around further decentralisation of the current energy system – heat and energy is produced locally and used locally with income invested back into the local community and park management.

For a quick graphical understanding of what a typical park might look like after a 'ParkPower make-over' see our 'Before and After' presentation.  To understand the project in more detail read our Introduction to ParkPower.

Click on graphic above to view in more detail.

Project Partners

greenspace scotland is working with a range of ParkPower partners including:

Technical consultants

            

         

Pilot Local Authorities

            

          

Contributor Local Authorities 

                             

          

Project reference partners

       

          

Funding partners

ParkPower is supported as one of five Rethinking Parks Prototyping projects supported by National Lottery Community Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Nesta.

Local Energy Scotland have provided funding to take forward a number of sites through feasibility assessment.

       

  

If you would like to know more about our ParkPower plans or would be are interesting in getting involved in the project please get in touch