The UK has run on clean power for a record of 81 hours this year. Renewable energy is transforming the UK grid, and it will be a core piece of reaching the Government’s goal of a Net Zero 2050. But to meet that goal and a 95% clean energy grid by 2030, UK industry is going to have a big role to play.
Industry leaders go renewable
CleanEarth’s projects represent a generating capacity of 155 Gigawatts - equivalent to powering 47,000 homes and saving the UK over 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Our in-house team have planned and completed over 800 wind turbine and solar PV installations across the UK, including projects for renowned brands like Rodda’s, Healey’s Cyder Farm, AB InBev, and Accolade (now Vinarchy).
We’ve seen leading businesses adopt renewable energy at a rapid pace. Carbon reduction strategies are crucial for the future of responsible industry - net zero targets can’t be met without the right energy mix powering our SME’s and enterprises. And despite mounting pressures facing businesses, this energy mix is not as out of reach as it may seem.
Solar grants bring new opportunities
Solar energy has been changing the business landscape. In recent years the cost per solar panel has dropped significantly, while grants pop up across the UK year-round. Funding opportunities like the Business Advice Energy Service fund and UKSPF allocations have opened the door regionally to make solar even more accessible. SME’s and larger scale enterprises alike have utilised grants, funding, and PPAs to maximise carbon reductions and see thousands of pounds of energy cost savings.
With increasing pressure on bottom lines (like EPR, NIC increases, and minimum wage increases), operational cost control is paramount. Through solar PV installations, businesses can assert greater control over cheaper energy prices, right from their own rooftops - and with a battery storage set up, hold on to excess generation for when they need it. And with every kWh of clean solar power, carbon emissions go down.
Policy reform revolutionises wind generation
This past year, the UK has seen major reform impacting onshore wind capacity. One of the biggest barriers to commercial wind projects has historically been planning policy, especially during the de facto onshore wind ban that was only lifted last year. Following planning policy changes and grid reform, onsite wind generation has become increasingly viable. For instance, the increase in the Transmission Impact Assessment (TIA) threshold means that projects under 5MW can now connect directly to the distribution network - bypassing the complexities of transmission to result in faster, simpler, and more cost-effective connections.
The future of commercial energy is CapEx free
Renewable energy projects like wind and solar installations have become increasingly streamlined and affordable solutions. And with the right provider, renewable energy can be CapEx free like CleanEarth’s wind offering or financially supported through a range of funding approaches. Green energy grants and PPAs are accessible resources that unlock cleaner electricity – in turn bringing significant cost and carbon savings to commercial businesses.
With these projects at their most accessible and carbon emissions reductions more critical than ever, now is the time to pursue energy solutions for commercial operations. We’ll be bringing 15 years of expertise to Emex this year, to discuss all these opportunities and more at Stand E66