Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils have begun to use a digital twin in developing an energy master plan and to map the way towards becoming a carbon neutral region.
They are using a model developed by climate tech company IES that provides 3D geometries for every building in the region – covering 2,413 square kilometres – and information on a wide range of factors that affect energy efficiency and emissions. These including building fabrics, heating systems and fuel types.
It has provided evidence based projections of future energy demands and emissions to support the Regional Energy Masterplan, which covers, energy efficiency, heat management and energy generation up to 2045. The digital twin is helping to support decisions on which low carbon energy systems should be used across the region.
Among the early findings from the simulations has been that that carbon emissions produced by the energy used to heat and power the region’s domestic and non-domestic buildings can be reduced by approximately 98% by 2045 when compared against a 2022 baseline.
Protecting environment
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane, commented: “By transforming our energy use and generation we can protect the natural environment for future generations, reduce fuel poverty and create new skilled jobs in a growing sector.
“Our roadmap to achieving these ambitions is the Regional Energy Masterplan. The importance of collaboration at the core of the plan, and working with IES has enhanced our understanding of regional energy consumption on our journey to creating a net zero energy system.”
IES said the digital twin of the region will be used as an ongoing resource by the two councils, and that it is developing outline business cases for two large scale renewable energy projects.
