PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1295385
PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1295385
Energy as a service involves generating energy using renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydro and then providing the same to passive consumers. The growing initiatives by the UK to achieve zero carbon emission, favorable investments, growing digitization, and adoption of smart meters are driving the demand for energy as a service in the country. In March 2023, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero unveiled its plans to scale the production of clean, homegrown energy, which included investments of £160 million in the UK's floating offshore wind industry and £240 million to back the country's new green hydrogen production projects. Moreover, per the same source, the government also opened the fifth round of its "Contracts-for-Difference" scheme to incentivize investments in renewable electricity.
The carbon emission created while burning fossil fuels for electricity generation causes pollution problems and climatic change. To reduce its carbon footprint, the UK focuses on increasing the usage of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear for electricity generation. For instance, according to the Office of National Statistics data, in March 2023, UK's installed solar capacity stood at 14.9 GW, which represented an increase of 5.3% compared to 2022's installation volume for the same month. The UK government is also investing in solar projects; for instance, in July 2022, the UK government announced £3 million for space-based solar projects, which would act as a reliable alternative to volatile fossil fuels.
Besides solar capacity, the UK is also emphasizing its wind energy generation. According to the Office of National Statistics, in December 2022, UK's electricity generation through wind energy was recorded at a high share of 24.6% of the total generation, which showed a significant increase compared to 2020. The country's Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm became operational on December 2021 and is considered the biggest offshore wind farm globally. Furthermore, favorable investment in power grids and project establishments is acting as an additional driving factor, as reliable grid management will increase the efficiency of energy distribution.
Energy as a service provider has capitalized on the increasing demand for renewable energy procurement, management, and optimization services, helping businesses achieve their sustainability targets while optimizing energy usage and reducing costs. The surge in electricity production from renewable sources has positioned the commercial segment as a key driver of the energy transition towards a low-carbon future in the UK.