“The UK can have low cost, low carbon electricity, heat and waste. Ten years ago, it seemed almost impossible for the UK to transition to being powered mainly by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power in an affordable and secure way. Now the same focus needs to be applied to deliver a value for money approach to reducing emissions from heat. Low cost, low carbon energy and waste systems are now possible, and should be delivered.”
The long awaited National Infrastructure Assessment has been published by the best and brightest independent minds in the Country and it has confirmed that the solar industry has a crucial role to play. Key findings include:
- Delivering a low carbon electricity system for 2050 powered mainly by renewables is a low cost option
- 50% to 65% of electricity generation will need to be from renewable sources by 2030.
- The cost of grid supplied energy from renewables can be as low as nuclear power by 2050, provided that the Government starts to act and change various parameters.
- The commission recommends that it is possible and necessary to go to an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030. This will require an additional 9% – 26% more electrical energy than is delivered today.
Here at EvoEnergy we welcome the National Infrastructure Commission’s Assessment and recognise the diligence and research that has gone into the report. We believe that it provides a strong signpost for corporate Britain to either remain as part of the problem that will end up paying for these improvements or to take their own destiny in their hands and be part of the solution.
- Investment in the electricity network is required, which may explain why energy prices will need to increase from £50.74/MWhr (OFGEM price for day ahead base load contracts on 1.4.18) towards the price agreed for Hinckley Point C at £92.50 / MWhr. Self-installed or funded solar already provides savings on current electricity bills and the benefits would appear to be increasing.
- An electricity bill will show you the percentage of renewable energy contributing to your energy supply. The general figure for UK generation is 24.3%. Are you prepared to pay your supplier to raise this percentage or will you install your own renewable generation to reduce your carbon footprint and save costs?
- With accelerated adoption of electric vehicles, can your local network meet this demand? Will you demonstrate to customers and staff that you are playing your part in the nation’s commitment to a low carbon society?
- For those who are quick, the last of the feed-in tariff may be available to new connections until March 2018. Why not take advantage of the cost savings, reduced carbon, and a twenty-year government-backed contribution?
EvoEnergy has just celebrated its first decade and is looking forward to its next, where solar PV comes of age and plays a significant role in corporate Britain’s energy generation.
Mark Wakeford – MD of EvoEnergy