The United Kingdom had previously aimed to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 under the Climate Change Act in 2008, but the Prime Minister’s intervention makes it more vital for industry to implement green solutions that are affordable and secure. Yet thanks to capex constraints, many businesses may not be in the position to make such sweeping changes to their energy operations, especially considering rising energy costs.
However, a recent report from Aggreko has identified the long-term hiring of decentralised energy solutions as a way to balance short-term financial concerns with long-term sustainability. Decentralised energy technologies such as wind power, combined heat and power systems, or solar power enable on-site energy generation. This allows for more flexible demand and security of supply, as well reduced reliance on the national grid and carbon emissions.
The report identifies that while capex constraints are a key barrier to the adoption of a decentralised energy solution, these can be overcome by considering long-term hire as an option. Opting for such a solution will allow UK industry to access the benefits associated with decentralised energy and meet increasingly rigorous environmental standards, all while building the capital required to purchase such a system outright.
“The UK is the first major nation in the world to propose such ambitious targets, and its impact on industry could resonate widely,” said Chris Rason, Managing Director, Northern Europe. “We need to ensure key energy decision-makers are prepared for this potential phase-out with new and innovative solutions, and decentralised energy will play a large part in this.
“As a sustainable and efficient solution, decentralised energy technology can ensure energy security for businesses while reducing their overall carbon footprint. These new targets mean it is even more vital that these benefits are accessible as possible, and long-term hire can provide a bridging gap solution for those who may otherwise be discouraged by high investment costs.”
