The global climate challenge is one of the main issues facing our current and future generations. To quote the United Nations: “The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.” Net zero is by no means an easy target to reach and to achieve this all Nations will have to work together to reduce the release of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our reliance on fossil fuels must be reduced and the use of alternative, renewable energy resources must increase.
The new Government recognises the need for, and potential of, renewable energy, however, these projects still have to navigate the planning process in order to ensure they are being developed in the right place at the right time. Here, we talk about the common types of available renewable energy sources that may support energy production at your recycling facility, along with their potential planning considerations. It’s important to consider how renewables may work alongside your operations and it’s key to ensure they do not conflict.
Solar – A commonly used renewable source that is usually easily installed on both ground and infrastructure (i.e., building roofs). Large-scale solar panels can have the potential for visual impact and impact on heritage assets and designated areas. The Government confirmed in May 2024 that: “Two of the main barriers to the expansion of solar power they identified were grid capacity and delays in securing grid connections.”
Wind – Generally, more readily suited to sites in open, topographically raised rural areas. Wind development has to consider general visual impact, impact upon heritage assets and designated areas, noise impact, shadow flicker and potential ecological impacts.
Biomass – Converts organic material into energy and, depending on the scale, can have various impacts, including visual and air quality and establishing suitable transport links. There is also a massive opportunity to use former landfill sites or contaminated sites for renewable energy development. This is not only an efficient use of land that may not have the potential for another beneficial use but also minimises the scope for potential sensitive receptors due to where these types of sites are traditionally located. Such development can be a great opportunity to turn unusable land into a productive asset. Renewable energy can be hugely beneficial to your business. It can demonstrate your commitment to reducing your CO2 emissions to clients and customers alike and improve your bottom line through savings on ‘grid’ energy.
