While energy planning on the building level is characterized by a limited number of stakeholders and a clear ambition setting, this situation changes when expanding to a neighbourhood level. Depending on the context of the neighbourhood, energy planning is challenged to align several stakeholders and define common ambitions and measures suitable to optimize the outcome of energy planning. In Norway, energy planning on neighbourhood level is a relatively new approach. We apply the Energy Master Planning (EMP) concept developed during the IEA EBC Annex 73 to describe the planning process within the Norwegian case study of Ydalir, which ambition is to become zero-emission. Through a qualitative research approach, we identify stakeholders involved, their role and impact, and indicate constraints on EMP implementation so far. We show how the concept of EMP must be further developed, to reply to evidence-based constraints in implementing and reaching for high ambitions in cutting down energy use and emission. This paper relates to the UN development goal 11 of Smart Cities and Communities.