What are your views of the UK government’s plans for decentralised renewable energy, as outlined in the most recent energy white paper, and what do you see as the main challenges?’The Energy White Paper set out a clear and strategic role for decentralised energy, highlighting the importance of a smart, flexible system. It noted the importance of heat networks and electrification as crucial to decarbonising heat, especially at domestic levels, as well as the need for Government to support industry in working towards net zero whilst remaining competitive.Of course, the Energy White Paper only sets out ambitions – now we urgently need real policies to bring forward significant change across the sector. If the UK is to deliver an energy system fit for the future and capable of delivering on its net zero targets, these policies will need to be coherent, coordinated and bold. It is absolutely essential that energy users – from householders through to large industrial sites – understand how they will benefit from the shift to low carbon energy, are confident that they will be properly supported to make the necessary changes and know that they will be treated fairly.We need to focus on making this a positive conversation, through which we make households and businesses alike aware of how the future energy system will actually serve them better! So often the transition is talked about as a bitter pill that needs to be swallowed, rather than an opportunity to make our homes more comfortable, the vulnerable more secure, businesses more competitive and our planet a more pleasant and healthy place for all of us to exist.How important is decarbonising rural infrastructure and how can farmers and landowners take the lead on creating a decentralised energy network?The challenge of decarbonising rural infrastructure is critical, both in terms of rural economic activities such as agriculture and also in the case of rural homes, which often face their own set of unique hurdles in moving away from fossil fuels.The agriculture industry plays an essential role in the UK economy and is host to a wealth of industrial and commercial practices that need to be fully supported in the clean energy transition to ensure that those working across the sector are not disadvantaged or left behind. Many farms across the country are already improving their sustainability credentials, as well as their bottom line, by adopting new technologies such as...Click Here for the full interview at Energy Now.
