Net-Zero Carbon Emissions – How Can It Be Achieved?
Following on from our previous blog posts about various aspects of energy efficiency, this week we look at the UK achieving a net-zero carbon emissions figure.
Net-zero refers to the balancing of emissions in that, after greenhouse gas reduction measures have been taken, any remaining emissions are removed or offset.
The UK Government has set a target of net-zero carbon emissions, raising the previous target of an 80% reduction. This has now been written into UK law, and the way that we use energy will need to significantly changed, in order to adhere to this new policy. It is expected that an amalgamation of new technologies will be required support this decarbonisation process.
As you know, at Utility Trade Group, we are experts in energy efficiency. Our energy efficient solutions can improve operational performance for clients, strengthen resilience and drive their business vision forward.
Operational excellence and cost management are a key focus for any business, and energy is a significant factor in both, yet it is often misunderstood and not managed successfully.
In order to achieve net-zero, it’s imperative that more is done to reduce heat and transport emissions. Electrification, heat pumps, electric vehicles, hydrogen, biogas and energy efficiency measures will all form key cogs in the wheel to success on this front.
There are three core aspects that business owners will likely turn to, in order to support this process:
Transport
There are already separate targets in place for EVs in the UK, with them likely to be the core means of eliminating emissions from commercial delivery vehicles. To support uptake of EVs in the UK, it was announced recently that drivers will be able to use a public charger without having signed up to the specific provider’s scheme. Utility Trade Group are suppliers and installers of EV charging points.
Heat
There are a range of technical solutions to decarbonise heat that can be adopted in different locations and for varying purposes across the UK. These include replacing natural gas with hydrogen, either completely, or in-part.
Carbon Capture & Storage (CSS)
“CSS is a necessity, not an option”, claim the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) – it is required for industry, bioenergy, and for hydrogen and electricity production. A net-zero carbon cluster at Drax, which would include the world’s first carbon negative power station, is currently at the exploratory stage.
Whilst business energy users will see their carbon footprint fall automatically, as low carbon electricity becomes more abundant, much more will need to be done to reduce heat and transport emissions. The renewable energy measures aforementioned will need to be combined to achieve the goal – with business looking to work out and optimise the best amalgamation of technologies to suit their business. This is where we can help, with our energy efficiency consultation and solutions.
Energy efficiency is no longer a fringe exercise with expensive upfront costs and limited outcomes. It is a mainstream option that is more accessible and feasible than ever before.
Utility Trade Group are experts in energy efficiency, including all of the above solutions. We can offer finance solutions to make investment costs more manageable, and to ensure that our solutions are helping your business to save money in the long-run. Get in touch today, to see how we can help you to combine your energy efficiency solutions and achieve the net-zero goal by 2050.
