CCE contributed evidence to Cambridge Ahead for a report published in January 2025 called The Infrastructure Gap: The future of sustainable energy in Greater Cambridge. The report was written by Cambridge Ahead in partnership the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University.
Based on a call for evidence, this report explores Greater Cambridge’s energy needs and challenges, including grid capacity, skills availability, funding, land availability and the policy landscape. It sets out a bold and inclusive 2050 vision, positioning the region as a living laboratory for innovative infrastructure by leveraging the strengths of its universities, businesses, landowners and communities. It highlights scalable initiatives across energy generation, storage, distribution and demand management, shared by respondents, that could establish Greater Cambridge as a global leader in sustainable energy innovation. Finally, it presents a series of recommendations to build on existing progress and create a clear, unified strategy to achieve this vision.
CCE evidence
As part of this process, the Policy Team at CCE shared evidence gathered during our work on Locally Determined Contributions (LDCs). This work is undertaken in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), along with local authority partners across the region (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, Peterborough City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, The Collaborate, President and Fellows of Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge). The work is funded by Innovate UK under its Net Zero Living program.
At their most basic level, Locally Determined Contributions (LDCs) set out local area-wide targets and actions in relation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate change impacts. They do this in a way that is compatible with the national climate change plan. The argument for such an approach is that it would clarify the breakdown between national and local responsibilities, providing clarity for investors, at the same time fleshing out how our climate change ambitions will be met.
Such a framework could positively influence the development of a sustainable energy infrastructure for Cambridge and beyond in a number of ways. For example, in the evidence provided to The Infrastructure Gap project, CCE also showed how a framework for Locally Determined Contributions could actively support local devolution by clearly outlining local authority goals, required funding, and powers. The LDC framework would also help clarify governance responsibilities across local and national levels and facilitate engagement with communities and stakeholders—both crucial for advancing low-carbon energy infrastructure.
An LDC framework could also support a shift towards place-based net zero investment (including in the energy sector), by removing confusion and uncertainty for investors, and outlining clear and consistent local net zero plans. The 2022 UKRI report, Accelerating Net Zero Delivery, highlighted the economic and social benefits of localised net zero strategies, showing that “place-specific” approaches deliver better energy savings, social outcomes, and lower investment costs than “place-agnostic” ones.
The LDC project builds on Cambridgeshire County Council’s work under the first round of Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living program, which identified the need for a framework aligning central and local government net zero ambitions and actions to boost investor confidence. A Locally Determined Contribution for Greater Cambridge could help unlock the funding needed to close the infrastructure gap at the local level.
CCE also provided evidence to The Infrastructure Gap report on how an LDC could support the delivery of future energy needs in the area equitably and inclusively.
At the heart of the LDC framework is a principle of fairness. The framework guidance explores how a local authority may need to consider issues of equity when, for example, thinking about the local area share of national emissions (and emissions reductions), and how this should be broken down across constituent authorities and local actors. It considers local government powers and responsibilities, recognising where action is possible and where collaboration with national government and industry is needed to bridge gaps.
The LDC framework includes guidance on how to understand the impact of proposed climate and energy interventions in relation to other social, economic and environmental priorities and in a way that responds to social inequities.
A clear and established LDC framework for local authorities, integrating key aspects of net zero planning like energy infrastructure, would help national governments stay informed, coordinate efforts, and adjust strategies based on real-world impacts, delivering benefits across society.
Sophy Bristow, Head of Programmes at CCE added:
“The LDC framework approach has many benefits. If adopted, it has the potential to clarify national, local and private sector responsibilities for energy infrastructure development and therefore unlock investment. It enables local authorities to approach net zero planning in a way that is place-focused and equitable.”
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