SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS
WHY ENERGY’S BRIGHT FUTURE IS UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR
One of the greenest technologies available, solar energy has
virtually limitless potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the use of fossil fuels. Here, David Sanchez, EMEA sales director for GoodWe, talks about the road to utility-scale solar
T
o satisfy the planet’s expanding sustainable energy requirements, it will be necessary to
increase the usage of solar power technologies in the coming years. For the UK, this means making the switch to utility-scale solar. By speeding up this process the country will be able to meet its goals for renewable energy and cut carbon emissions, as well as reap significant economic, environmental and social benefits. Utility-scale solar energy offers a stable, affordable, source of renewable energy that can assist the nation in meeting international energy demands while minimising the effects of climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that, by 2040, the world’s electrical industry must achieve Net Zero emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change and keep global warming below 2˚C.
THE PATH TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Energy must be decarbonised for a sustainable economy and lower emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement on climate change. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global weighted average levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of utility-scale solar PV projects declined by 13% in 2021, from USD 0.055/kWh to USD 0.048/kWh. The UK should therefore search for possibilities to install and commission utility-scale solar now because the cost is projected to continue declining. When compared to other renewable energy sources, solar is cost-effective and only needs some land and low-maintenance machinery. The utility sector of solar energy is expected to
experience the greatest growth over the next few years. The number of new solar photovoltaic (PV) installations increased by 80% in the UK between 2021 and 2022, with the majority being a mix of residential, commercial and industrial use. Since there are so few major solar farms in the UK, there is a huge opportunity for the solar industry to help the country get to Net Zero. Without more solar energy, the UK energy sector runs the risk of being dependent on imports of foreign fossil fuels. At a time when nations are under pressure internationally to shift away from energy sources like fossil fuels and toward cleaner ones like renewables, utility scale solar in the UK is the way to achieve this goal. It would also lower energy costs, increase employment, and stimulate the economy, while lowering our dependency on imported energy. In addition to these advantages, utility-scale solar can serve as habitats for endangered species and has little to no detrimental effects on the local biodiversity.
ACT NOW The UK must finance utility-scale solar power in order to achieve a Net Zero UK, a greener economy, and healthier environmental conditions. The technology is readily accessible, simple to maintain, and capable of producing limitless free energy. Since the solar industry is constantly innovating and making advancements, solar will only become more effective as new ideas are put into practice. Utility size inverters can generate full power up to a temperature of 40˚C which means the inverter will continue to operate at its highest efficiency even at
8ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Spring 2023
conditions infrequently encountered in the UK. Many of GoodWe’s utility-scale inverters include advanced thermal designs, which extend product life and increase energy harvesting, improving efficiency and lowering the cost of energy production. The technology to achieve Net Zero already exists – it simply needs to be put to use. The world urgently needs better renewable energy,
so now is the time for the UK to make the switch to utility-scale solar. Solar energy currently makes up a very modest portion of the world’s energy supply even though it has nearly unlimited potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the usage of fossil fuels. This makes it one of the most efficient and ecologically friendly energy technologies in existence. The best method for the UK to become self-sufficient – and an essential step on the road to Net Zero – is through the adoption of renewable energy at a large scale. With this, the UK will be able to supply more affordable, environmentally friendly, electricity and be free from the volatile energy market if solar becomes a significant portion of its energy source.
GoodWe
https://en.goodwe.com
Many of GoodWe’s utility-scale inverters include advanced thermal designs
www.essmag.co.uk
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