Creating cities for tomorrow: why communities sit at the heart of the energy transition
The energy transition is all about people, but driving change at scale means concentrating efforts in towns and cities. Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Infrastructure Solutions at E.ON UK, highlights some of the innovations we’re bringing to develop a more sustainable Coventry and how partnership is the model for future cities nationwide
“Companies like ours can bring solutions, but those solutions only really work when you can tailor them. The great thing with Coventry City Council, they understand the needs and wants to create a greener, sustainable future.
“I have no doubt this strategic energy partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council is a blueprint for the way in which we're going to drive the energy transition in the UK.”Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Infrastructure Solutions at E.ON UK
This latest video in our three-part series outlining innovations across E.ON focuses on cities – the engines of the energy transition. In Coventry, we’re showing what happens when local ambition meets innovative solutions, and how investing in UK infrastructure and delivering partnerships at city scale can ripple out to transform communities nationwide.
The prime example of this approach in action is E.ON’s strategic energy partnership with Coventry City Council – a pioneering approach which is the first of its kind in the UK –aligning common goals in providing affordable, low cost, sustainable energy for businesses and residents across the city.
Some of the fantastic innovation initiatives include:
- Our work with tech startup Kestrix which uses thermal imaging drones to survey thousands of homes to understand where the properties are losing heat and money – a process that takes minutes rather than the hours needed for in-person surveys
- 80 schools having solar panels on their roofs to reduce energy bills, providing renewable energy for the community and the children of Coventry.
- A programme of home upgrades making homes warmer, more comfortable and with lower bills.
- Creating hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities every year, with many of those in the city, helping to nurture future talent in green collar jobs.
As Vijay says: “I have no doubt that this strategic energy partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council is a blueprint for the way in which we're going to drive the energy transition in the UK.”