The United
Kingdom has set its sights on a greener, more sustainable future, and the
renewable energy sector is at the forefront of this transformation. With
ambitious targets and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the UK is
poised to lead the way in renewable energy innovation.
In this blog, we
will explore some of the most promising future trends in renewable energy in the
UK, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
So, what action
is the UK taking?
Offshore
Wind Revolution
Having already
established itself as a global leader in offshore wind energy, the UK is set to
accelerate their usage dramatically in the coming years. Currently, the UK has
around 10 gigawatts (GW) in operation off its coasts, however, the government
has pledged to reach 40GW of offshore wind capacity by
2030. This ambitious promise is indicative of the nation's commitment to
harnessing the power of the wind, with new and more efficient wind turbines on
the horizon.
Even so, as we
shift towards greener energy to heat our homes, charge our electric vehicles
and power our energy focused industries, the Climate
Change Committee has suggested that the UK will need 140GW to meet net zero
by 2050.
Hydrogen
as a Green Fuel
Green hydrogen,
produced using renewable energy, is gaining traction in the UK. Unlike
conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels, green
hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by using
electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or
hydropower. This process does not emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse
gases, making it a clean and sustainable energy carrier.
With the
potential to decarbonize various sectors, including transportation and heating,
investments in hydrogen production and infrastructure are expected to increase,
positioning hydrogen as a key player in the clean energy transition.
Carbon
Capture and Utilization (CCU)
In the quest to
reduce emissions, CCU technologies are being explored. These technologies
capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and convert them
into useful products, such as synthetic fuels and building materials.
What is
particularly attractive about CCU, is that it has the potential to play a
crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions. It can remove CO2 from the atmosphere
by combining it with direct air capture or bioenergy to balance unavoidable
emissions. Even more so, it can be retrofitted to existing power plants which
could otherwise continue to emit 8
billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050.
Nuclear
To reduce the
UK’s reliance on oil and gas, the government plans to build a staggering 8 new
nuclear reactors. By announcing a new body called Great British Nuclear, the
government aims to bolster the UK's nuclear capacity, with the hope that by 2050 up to 24 GW of
electricity will come from that source.
The future
2022 saw a
record amount of energy generated from renewable resources in the UK. Researchers
found that 40%
of the UK’s electricity was made up of hydropower, solar, wind and biomass.
However, experts also suggest that more clean energy is needed if the UK is set
on becoming a renewable energy leader in Europe.
As recruitment
specialists in the Process and Energy, Water and Environmental markets, Blueprint
understands the pivotal role these sectors play in shaping a sustainable
future. This is why we are committed to connecting exceptional talent with
opportunities within the renewable sectors, ensuring that the government’s projects
can be carried out successfully.
If you want to
learn more about our current vacancies within these markets, please visit our
Sectors page. Alternatively, feel free to contact us on 02329 603030. 00
