- The Transition
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Archive
Common hurdles for renewable energy financing and how to overcome them
With a global investment target of around $4 trillion to reach by 2030, the renewable energy industry is in need of a significant injection of cash from both private and public investors. However, investing can be a risky business and renewable energy projects fuelling the clean energy transition must be carefully considered to avoid the challenges that have typically made markets understandably wary. From lengthy delays and increased costs to changeable government policies and public opinion, there are many hurdles impacting renewable energy financing. Happily, however, there are also several solutions that can help renewables fulfil both their environmental and financial potential.
Green manufacturing: Saving our planet while boosting business
As one of the sectors with the highest emissions and greatest impact on our everyday lives, manufacturing has an important role to play in the fight against climate change. The good news is that the green manufacturing movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, not only doing good for the planet but also providing economic benefits to businesses. There are several routes that firms can follow to make their operations more sustainable, from embracing renewables and finding ways to make energy more efficient to saving on governmental taxes and pursuing circularity.
Shining a spotlight on the new National Energy System Operator (NESO)
Since Labour came into power on 4th July, the new government has already made great strides in following through with its manifesto pledges and resetting the UK’s approach to the energy sector and climate change. Critics have been concerned that these ambitious plans aren’t backed by the investment or infrastructure needed to make them successful – and that’s where the new National Energy System Operator (NESO) could make all the difference.
Renewable energy progress in sport
While our attention is understandably often focused on the industries with the highest carbon footprints, its undeniable that other sectors can also play an influential role in helping us fight climate change. Sport is one sector that can take steps to improve its sustainable credentials and embrace renewable energy on a larger scale. It can also affect wider change by inspiring its fans to follow its lead. But is the industry ready to rise to the challenge and go for gold?
Deep dive: Redwood Materials
With global demand for lithium-ion batteries projected to increase by 90% in the coming years, existing supply chain issues and environmental concerns will only be exacerbated unless efforts are made to switch from a linear to a circular model. By adopting a recycle and reuse philosophy, the battery industry can become localised, more sustainable, and more resilient. One company, Redwood Materials, is leading the charge, providing a model for the industry to follow, and revolutionising the way the battery industry works in the US.
The carbon footprint of electrification: what we need to know
Electrification will play a vital role in the energy transition, but it’s not a perfect solution. Not only are there bottlenecks impacting the supply chain, but the carbon footprint associated with electrification is only set to grow as demand for electricity increases. Many renewable energy technologies, including solar PV, wind farms and electric vehicle batteries, rely on mined minerals in both their construction and operation. However, obtaining and processing these minerals has several negative consequences ranging from increased carbon emissions and water pollution to human rights and safety concerns.
Electrification’s pivotal role in the energy transition: Addressing supply chain hurdles for a greener future
While electrification is essential to facilitating a successful energy transition, blockages in the supply chain are at risk of derailing the race to net-zero when it matters most. As the demand for electricity grows, several issues have come to light, ranging from labour shortages and a scarcity of raw materials to restrictive policies that extend development times and leave projects stuck in limbo. If solutions are to be found in time, a collaborative and concerted approach is non-negotiable.
Nuclear in the UK – what is the endgame?
With experts in agreement that low-carbon sources must play a role in the energy transition, nuclear power has re-entered the conversation. A cost-effective, efficient, and reliable option, nuclear has many potential benefits, but is it a case of too little too late for the UK? The sector has been in steady decline since the 1970s, with successive governments failing to follow through on commitments to invest in and build new plants. However, innovations like Small Modular Reactors could offer a new way forward.
The net zero problem with big tech: reporting reform needed to address real world emissions
The actions of Silicon Valley’s tech giants have an international impact, especially when it comes to sustainability. The big five – Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple – have all made pledges to curb emissions, reduce waste, and implement fair working practices, but are outdated reporting methods skewing the data? With accusations of greenwashing to contend with, it could be time for Big Tech to prove it is working to be a force for good, not simply part of the problem.
Why I invested in OROS Labs: the importance of innovation and energy efficiency in driving net zero
If we are to be successful, the war against climate change must be fought on several fronts simultaneously. While renewables should be an integral part of any sustainable investment portfolio, it’s equally important that projects promoting innovation and energy efficiency receive the funding they need to fulfil their potential. That’s one of the many reasons why I chose to invest in OROS Labs, a visionary apparel company set to take its proprietary insulation technology into several new sectors.
Onshore wind is back in the UK
In its first six weeks, the new Labour government has already demonstrated its commitment to championing the energy transition by reversing the de-facto ban on onshore wind that has been in place since 2015. The announcement has been met with positive feedback from environmental groups and renewables developers are already making moves to start building new sites across the UK. However, with an ambitious target to double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by 2030, is the government at risk of trying to move too quickly and setting unfeasible goals?
Exploring the new frontier of renewables beyond solar and wind
Solar and wind power have emerged as frontrunners in the energy transition for good reason, but relying on just two fossil fuel alternatives comes with risks. If the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050 is to be met, diversification will be essential. Not only will looking beyond solar and wind help to improve energy security, mitigate the environmental impact of renewables and offset any fluctuations in capacity, but it could also inspire investment and realise the myriad economic benefits that the energy transition has to offer.