Fife was one of the first councils to publish a Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) in November 2023. This now forms the basis of the Big Energy Move within the Climate Fife Strategy. A range of work has happened to support the policy position and technical case phase ahead.

1. Detailed LHEES Delivery Plan (under development to be published by March 2025) - This will be the basis to bring together different council plans/strategies/policies with pathfinding projects to establish an integrated, place-based approach to Fife’s energy system. A consultation draft includes 55 actions over 7 categories.
2. Heat Network Zoning - advanced methodology developed with specialist. Progress to consulting and designating zones planned.
3. Energy opportunity assessment:
   • Solar Opportunities Map – the potential of land for solar PV/thermal was mapped, using two scenarios. This will assist renewables planning and inform the Local Development Plan 2.
   • Mine Water – a map of mine water heat opportunities was produced with the Coal Authority, and the Council participated in a British Geological Survey partnership project to improve understanding of mine water heat potential. These findings will inform heat network development.
4. Energy planning - undertaken a Dunfermline & Rosyth Energy Prospectus scenario for heat networks and wider energy to best meet local needs. This is being used as an engagement tool to highlight the potential and to support next steps. Scottish Government Heat Network Support Unit funding has been secured to: provide a more detailed energy plan to help inform a future business case; and identify the most suitable Fife-wide delivery model to develop heat networks as part of wider energy projects.