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As renewable energy capability continues to grow across the UK and globally, initiatives are helping to improve society as well as support the energy transition to net zero.
The power of renewable energy
In the UK, offshore wind farms have the capacity to power the equivalent of 10 million homes. Thanks to the UK shores seeing the most optimum wind conditions for power generation in Europe, it’s quickly becoming a sustainable way to produce low-carbon energy. Furthermore, with the invention of floating platforms to house wind turbines without the need for fixed structures, the capability to generate power in deeper waters continues to drive forward offshore wind as a leading solution for the race to net zero.
Whilst globally initiatives such as tidal and solar energy production are converting nature’s organic processes to generate clean energy to power homes and businesses.
A force for good
It’s not just the green energy production that’s having a positive impact on the planet though, over recent years renewable energy is providing a great deal of other benefits to help communities and local people.
In Ireland, surplus wind farm energy is being gifted to social housing residents to help combat fuel poverty. Led by a social enterprise EnergyCloud, the scheme was inspired by similar food waste reduction activities that redistribute unsold items to those in need. It’s estimated that approximately €75 million of electricity goes to waste when more wind energy is produced than needed, so the team at EnergyCloud wanted a way to redistribute this excess energy to benefit the local community. Social housing residents had a special heating control device fitted to their homes that facilitates access to free hot water. Following a successful trial in 2022, 10,000 households in Ireland will now benefit this year.
Repowering London is a partnership with the local authorities and communities that allows residents to benefit from solar power. Through a community share scheme solar panels are installed and the electricity generated is then sold back at a discounted rate to the community buildings that house them. Part of the money generated is given to shareholders and remaining funds are added to a community fund that helps with social projects such as energy efficiency improvements and youth training.
Across Europe an EU-funded project is helping to increase female leadership within renewable energy. W4RES is an initiative that looks at improving female representation within renewable energy, heating and cooling projects – with 50-60 projects expected to benefit through the funding.
Did you know?
Green energy sources were more dominant than gas during the UK’s winter period. Insight from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) reported renewable energy reaching 34 terawatt hours (TWh) between October 2022 and January 2023 – with 2TWh less gas produced during the same reporting period, helping to further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
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