FEATURE A SELF-SUFFICIENT SUPPLY


As the energy sector evolves to include a growing volume of renewable electricity, the dynamic between demand and supply is changing. Matthew Clayton, MD at Thrive Renewables takes a deeper look at this relationship.


Historically, electricity suppliers have been slaves to demand. However, as the generation mix progresses towards lower carbon intensity, a more balanced relationship with increased flexibility is required.


“Onsite generation has the potential to add significant amounts to a company’s bottom line.”


Businesses offering increased independence from the grid via ‘behind the meter’ solutions to energy managers are on the rise. Energy cost volatility, flexibility opportunity and more transparent charging methodologies are driving businesses’ interest in taking greater control of energy supply. This trend is seeing companies install onsite renewable power generation, energy storage and other clean technologies to help them become either less reliant on the grid or completely self-sufficient.


38 | TOMORROW’S FM


The aims of behind-the-meter generation for businesses are threefold:


Cutting energy costs is undoubtedly the primary goal of all companies looking to go self-sufficient. Energy prices are reported to be on the rise again. So rather than relying on the markets to deliver affordable energy, many savvy businesses are beginning to take their electricity supply into their own hands, hedging their exposure to the wholesale electricity price volatility. Depending on the mix of solutions and energy efficiency measures chosen, companies can make substantial savings against today’s prices and provide confidence in future costs.


Reducing carbon emissions is also an extremely important motivator. Many companies have corporate social responsibility (CSR) imperatives that could be achieved by generating renewable power onsite or using energy in smarter ways. Going green can also contribute to customer retention and becoming more competitive; customers are becoming increasingly interested in the provenance of their suppliers.


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