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In order to meet the world’s growing energy needs in a sustainable way, it is necessary to significantly expand the use of solar energy technology in the coming years, and for the UK the transition to solar energy is essential. Accelerating this movement will enable the nation to meet its renewable energy goals and reduce carbon emissions, while unlocking enormous economic, environmental and social benefits.
Utility solar energy provides a cost-effective and reliable source of clean energy that can help the country meet global energy needs while reducing the impact of climate change. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst effects of climate change, the global electricity sector must reach net zero emissions by 2040. Limiting global warming requires a significant expansion of large-scale capture technologies and carbon storage (CCS) and further development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Although few sources of renewable energy will eventually be needed to power the UK, solar energy has several advantages over other sustainable energy sources. For example, solar energy is extremely cost-effective compared to other renewable technologies. Wind power, however, is variable and requires large turbines. Hydroelectric generation, meanwhile, involves reservoirs and dams spread over large areas. On the other hand, utility solar requires only a piece of land and low-maintenance equipment.
Steps towards the future at the level of utility services
Energy decarbonisation is key to achieving a sustainable economy and reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global weighted average levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of newly opened solar PV projects decreased by 13% in 2021, from 0.055 USD/kWh to 0.048 USD/kWh. With the price likely to continue to fall, the UK should look for opportunities to install and commission utility-scale solar now.
Given the planning laws in place in the UK, there must be some sort of land use agreement in place. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has already said that some agricultural land should be given up for other purposes such as solar generation. The impact on biodiversity and food production in the area around farms needs to be discussed, with appropriate planning and investment in infrastructure.
Without a well thought out strategy, there could be a serious risk of flooding as well as impacts on biodiversity and wildlife in surrounding areas. While these are legitimate concerns that should not be taken lightly, it is imperative that the UK overcomes all obstacles to a net-zero future, something that is likely to be impossible without the power that solar can produce. The utility solar energy sector is predicted to have the highest growth in the coming years. From 2021 to 2022, the UK will see an 80% increase in new solar photovoltaic (PV) installations – mostly a mix of residential, commercial and industrial. Currently, there are relatively few large-scale solar farms in the UK, meaning there is huge potential for the solar industry to be part of the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
Without an increased presence of solar power in the UK energy market, the UK risks becoming dependent on foreign fossil fuel imports. This, at a time when there is international pressure on countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and to switch to cleaner energy sources such as renewables. Solar power in the UK would bring down energy prices, create jobs and boost the economy, plus reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels. Added to these benefits is the fact that utility-scale solar has little or no negative impact on local biodiversity and can even double as habitat for endangered species.
Next steps
For a healthier environment, a Net Zero UK and a greener economy, the UK must invest in utility-scale solar. The technology is affordable and easy to maintain and can provide unlimited free energy. Advances and innovations are constantly happening in the industry, which means that solar power will only become more efficient as developments are implemented.
In utility inverters, it is possible to have full power output down to 40 degrees Celsius, meaning the inverter will remain at peak efficiency even in temperatures rarely seen in the UK. The technology for net zero is already available; it just needs to be applied.
As the world needs better renewable energy, now is the time for the UK to go solar. Currently, solar energy makes up a very small percentage of the global energy supply. One of the most efficient and environmentally beneficial technologies available, solar energy has virtually unlimited potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use. Renewable energy is the best way to become self-reliant as a nation and is a vital part of our journey to net zero. With solar as a significant source of energy in the UK, the UK will be able to secure cheaper, planet-friendly energy and break free from an increasingly unpredictable energy market.
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