Wind and solar are now the most inexpensive forms of new power generation in the UK. There is also a growing pipeline of projects being developed for construction in the UK over the next few years. There are over 10 gigawatts of large scale solar being planned in the next few years, with well over 2 gigawatts of solar and 3.5 gigawatts of wind generation with planning permission and grid connection agreements in place.
The current commitment will bring together energy buyers directly with the renewable energy providers to stimulate a market in PPAs which can underpin the decarbonisation of the UK power sector. In parallel, the Solar Trade Association (STA) and RenewableUK will be encouraging their members to work more closely with the UK technology sector to:
- Integrate smart systems into the growth of the renewable and energy storage industries, to support the development of flexible, responsive digital energy systems.
- Integrate smart energy and heat systems alongside renewable assets in residential buildings.
- Assess the potential of emerging technologies – such as AI and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twins (a dynamic virtual representation of a physical object or system) – in the renewables sector.
A series of initial activities
To achieve this, the three organisations are planning a series of initial activities. techUK, the STA and RenewableUK will host a virtual marketplace – RE-Source UK Virtual – on September 21st. The event will showcase industry case studies, offer the latest market information and provide opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet.
During 2021, there will be further events and the three organisations will produce an online guide on the best routes to ensure operations in the technology and communications infrastructure sector are fully powered by renewable energy. They will also provide briefings on the potential of emerging tech in the renewables sector.
The STA and RenewableUK will further play a part in techUK’s work programmes and campaigns on smart energy, focussing on the decarbonisation of flexible power markets and maximising the UK content of the smart and flexible energy transition.
Private sector leadership is vital
Commenting on the agreement, Julian David, CEO techUK said: “The technology sector is already the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in the world. We are committed to working with the UK’s renewable sector not only to bring more new renewables onto the grid as part of our own efforts to decarbonise our operations, but also to support companies in the sector in understanding how emerging technology can support their businesses.”
See also:
Solar industry responds to CCC progress report
Barnaby Wharton, Director of Future Electricity Systems, RenewableUK, added: “Wind and solar are the cheapest forms of new power generation which will lead the green economic recovery the UK needs. Events like RE-Source UK Virtual later this month offer precious opportunities for companies to sign Power Purchase Agreements to stimulate that recovery and to reach net zero emissions at the lowest cost. I’m delighted that we’ll be working more closely with techUK and the STA to deliver, the smart, flexible power system of the future faster than anyone expects”.
Chris Hewett, Chief Executive, Solar Trade Association, added: “Private sector leadership is vital to deliver a net zero economy. We are proud to strengthen our commitment to working with the UK’s technology sector to accelerate decarbonisation and the transition to clean energy.” (mfo)
