Norwich sets ambitious target for electric vehicles and heat pumps

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 31 Oct, 07:20 · Archive

Norwich City Council's draft energy plan targets 3,000 drivers switching to electric vehicles annually and 2,800 homes ditching gas heating by 2045.

Norwich City Council's draft Energy Plan sets out the scale of transition required to reach net zero by 2045. The targets include 3,000 drivers switching to electric vehicles annually and 2,800 homes a year replacing fossil fuel heating with alternatives such as heat pumps. By 2045, the council says 89 per cent of Norwich's vehicles would need to be electric, and 62,169 homes across the city would need to be electrified.

Council leaders acknowledged the challenges ahead. Councillor Toby Bolton, cabinet member for climate and environment, said: 'The Norwich Energy Plan is intended to start a conversation within the city on what is needed to reach our climate goals.' He added: 'We are always looking into funding options that will enable us to support residents to switch to low carbon energy.'

The council does not propose forcing residents to switch, acknowledging it has limited powers over individual household decisions and 'no say' over the fuel type residents choose to drive. The plan identifies funding sources but does not yet set out a specific budget commitment. The Switch Together Solar collective buying scheme offers households the chance to purchase EV charge points at discounted rates. The rollout of public charging infrastructure across Norfolk is being led by Norfolk County Council in its role as the highways authority.

How it is being reported

• Council calls for 2,766 homes a year to ditch gasAlmost 2,800 homes a year will need to move away from gas heating if Norwich is to meet its target of becoming a net-zero city by 2045, according to City Hall.Eastern Daily Press · 31 Oct, 06:00
• Council calls for 2,766 homes a year to ditch gasAlmost 2,800 homes a year will need to move away from gas heating if Norwich is to meet its target of becoming a net-zero city by 2045, according to City Hall.Norwich Evening News · 31 Oct, 06:00
• City Hall reveals target to get 3,000 drivers a year to switch to electric vehiclesNorwich’s draft Energy Plan says 2,969 vehicles a year must switch to electric, with 89% electric by 2045, supporting the city’s net-zero climate target.Norwich Evening News · 29 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Norwich City Council · Toby Bolton · Norwich · Norfolk County Council

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