As the energy system becomes more complex, with gas, electricity and heating all connected, Navigator brings everything together in one place, allowing planners to look at the whole system instead of separate parts.

Over the past year, Navigator has moved from an idea into a tool that is now being tested and used to make real decisions. It combines data on energy demand, network capacity, costs, emissions and social factors like fuel poverty, and allows us to test different scenarios, compare options and understand trade-offs. It shows how local factors, like infrastructure limits or community readiness, can affect which solutions will work best and when, and helps identify where certain changes could put extra pressure on communities.

A key focus is to make Navigator as useful as possible for local authorities and regional planners. The project has been shaped in close collaboration with councils, energy networks and experts to ensure the tool reflects real challenges our stakeholders face, producing clear, practical insights for them to base decisions on.

So far, Navigator has improved how we all work together, strengthened local energy planning, and provided clearer evidence for decision-making. It has given us a strong foundation for future planning - showing how a joined-up, local approach can support a more affordable, reliable and fair path to net zero.