Climate

High energy prices? Discover the natural low cost energy solution!

Published

12 months ago

November 22, 2023

Celtic Green Energy reveals the benefits of Solar power.

In 2022, the Ukraine war caused an unprecedented energy crisis highlighting the UK’s dependence on Russian oil and gas that exposed our vulnerability to fuel security. Fuel prices rocketed, businesses folded and families were plunged into a cost of living crisis. The cost of fuel impacted on transport, raising food, heating, motoring and consumer goods prices. The general public became energy anxious and the Government had to step in to try to help the most vulnerable with new energy and fuel campaigns. This vulnerability to energy security prompted the Government into spearheading home grown renewable energy solutions with the extended development of windfarms, nuclear and solar. Advancements in technology and falling equipment prices has suddenly made solar power systems more affordable and increasingly attractive to consumers.

Renewable energy systems are widely seen as the way forward for a greener economy, lowering the impact on the environment, lowering carbon and reducing costs. A number of affordable solutions are now available to the general public and businesses that can help in the quest for climate change and energy efficiency. One example is where the Government is keen to promote the sale of electric vehicles to meet strict G4 net zero carbon goals, however with this interest, widespread confusion and anxiety follows. Never before terminology such as ‘range anxiety’ and ‘charge-point anxiety’ are appearing with the growth in electric vehicles and a weak infrastructure.

Fuel poverty within a poor housing stock is raising environmental concerns and the Government has addressed this issue with the availability of renewable energy solutions to the less fortunate on benefit or low income through the ECO4 grant scheme. This however has caused a ripple effect of scurrilous opportunists trading off FREE solar claims to all, when in fact, all but a few are actually entitled to the scheme. Even when those who are fortunate to qualify, find that the installation teams are shipped in from far away and leave with little or no support for the householder. When systems fail, they are left with little or no aftercare and are left facing a costly ‘white elephant’. Fortunately the industry regulator MCS Certification has strict guidelines for the Solar Power installation service and consumers are advised to check out their website for approved and registered suppliers.

Understanding the needs of the consumer and offering a strict code of conduct is essential for a reputable installer. West Wales based Celtic Green Energy has an enviable reputation serving the region for the last decade with renewable energy solutions for domestic, business and farming sectors. “We have people from all walks of life approach us with their energy concerns” quotes Sales Director Stuart Jupp. “What’s reassuring about my job is that I can give them genuine help to secure their future, their energy bills and relieve their anxieties. Anyone who uses electricity has potential to use solar power, although some properties may be ineligible due to prevailing conditions such as a ground floor flat!”

For the uninitiated, a solar power scheme is an installed system that includes a series of large flat photovoltaic panels that are placed on a southward facing roof that captures the suns rays – even on a cloudy day. The rays stimulate the photovoltaic cells to generate electricity that is then processed through an inverter ready to be fed into the property for use. Any surplus electricity is fed back to the national grid generating a small income, but it is now recommended that batteries are fitted to capture this latent energy and reuse at night.

As every property is different and every consumer has varying energy use, every solar panel system is tailored to the individual’s needs. A good starting point to specify the ideal scheme is based on a properties existing energy consumption where a system will be designed to match those needs. A Solar Surveyor will visit the site to identify the location, its constraints and discuss with the customer their objectives. A detailed quote and energy performance projection will be offered to the customer that will help their decision process. Most business installations will pay back their investment within 2 years, whilst domestic schemes will pay back the investment within 4 to 5 years – based on the prevailing energy costs.

The main use of energy during the winter months is to provide heat, whether that is gas, coal, oil or electric. The fossil fuels are on the Government’s hit list to reduce carbon emissions, so is keen to encourage the sale of Air Source Heat Pumps which are three times more energy efficient than other heat sources. These are large fan assisted units that sit outside the property and reverse condense cold air into heat (the opposite action of a refrigerator). The Air Source Haet Pump will then provide sufficient heat to power a conventional central heating system, but given the nature of the beast, operates slightly differently to the traditional method of a gas or oil system. As these require electricity to power them, they do consume energy 24/7 – however, with a solar power system, they can undertake this free of charge during the daytime and if a solar battery system is installed, can run free at night too.

Solar power is seen as the great saviour for many as it offers a perfect solution for the nation, businesses and the private individuals. With it’s green credentials, Solar is an ideal gateway product that provides power for many energy intensive applications such as heating, refrigeration and charging that ultimately helps reduce carbon, the environment and cut costs. The last year has seen a dramatic rise in the sales of electric vehicles, and a subsequent rise in the installation of home EV charging points. Add a solar system with solar batteries to the equation, and consumers will be able to charge their cars for free and dramatically cut the cost of their motoring.

Solar Batteries are now seen as the key essential accessory for any Solar power system as they help maintain provision of energy after dark. With advancements in technology falling off the back of the electric vehicle industry, there is now a wide variety of choice for batteries offering various degrees of performance, durability, cost, longevity and warranty. Any reputable installer will be able to advise the virtues of the right battery for the individual that best suits their lifestyle demands and budget.

Sum up…

Next time you awake to a fresh morning cuppa and look out to a sunny day, remember that sunshine could be providing you with free electricity to power your kettle – as well as your washing machine, cooker, television, charging your electric car and lots, lots more! The possibilities for solar power are endless, so if you are concerned about your rising energy costs and want to do something about it, make your next step be a phone call to Celtic Green Energy who will be able to advise you on the best way forward. You can call their energy help line 01269 500388 or learn more and visit their website at www.celticgreenenergy.co.uk

Here’s to brighter tomorrows and sunnier savings!

Climate

Wales eyes £47 billion in renewable energy investment by 2035

Published

5 days ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES is on the cusp of a £47 billion renewable energy investment wave that could transform its economy, create thousands of jobs, and breathe new life into communities. This promising outlook was unveiled today at the Future Energy Wales 2024 conference at Newport’s ICC, showcasing preliminary analysis by BiGGAR Economics on the economic potential of renewable energy across the nation.

Commissioned by RenewableUK Cymru, in partnership with Solar Energy UK and Marine Energy Wales, the study highlights the substantial economic gains Wales could achieve by meeting its renewable energy targets across onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, and tidal power.

**Heavy lift: The turbine under construction** **(Image: MHPA)**

The research projects an average annual investment of nearly £4 billion, reaching a peak of £7 billion by 2028. Offshore wind alone is expected to attract £32.4 billion, forming the foundation of Wales’ economic growth through 2035. However, capturing this opportunity requires an effective industrial strategy and substantial port infrastructure upgrades to support thousands of new, high-quality jobs.

While offshore wind presents long-term growth, onshore wind offers Wales a rapid boost, with a potential £4.5 billion in investments enabling an increase to over 3 GW capacity by 2035, contingent on addressing planning and grid capacity challenges.

The NESO 2030 Clean Power report underscores the need for grid reform to expedite renewable energy across the UK, but Wales remains hampered by immediate planning resource shortages.

The latest data from the 2024 Welsh wind power report shows a surge in renewable project interest, with Wales’ pipeline expanding by 18% this year, from 9 GW in 2023 to over 10.5 GW in November 2024, largely due to new onshore wind projects. However, with current deployment rates, Wales is forecast to contribute only 5% of the UK’s total wind capacity by 2035—well behind Scotland’s 64 GW target.

RenewableUK Cymru’s Call for Strategic Support

Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“Wales stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity. By harnessing this renewable investment potential, we can secure Welsh jobs and build a robust, long-term local economy. But achieving this vision requires strong, immediate support from both the UK and Welsh governments.

“We urge a coordinated, four-nations approach to accelerate wind deployment and grid upgrades. With strategic investment in grid capacity and planning, wind energy can become central to Wales’ clean energy future—delivering real benefits for our climate, economy, and communities.”

£47 Billion Equals 208 Principality Stadiums

Nikki Keddie, Director at BiGGAR Economics, added:

“The scale of Wales’ renewables potential is extraordinary. The £47 billion needed to reach our targets is equivalent to building 208 Principality Stadiums. Investment in renewables will boost energy security, employment, industrial growth, and rural development.

“To maximise economic benefits, it’s crucial to dismantle barriers to project delivery and create opportunities for local businesses to capture value. We look forward to the next phase of this report, where we will detail the economic share Wales can secure.”

Climate

Nature and marine energy in Focus: Opening the conversation on renewable energy

Published

6 days ago

November 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM is set to host Nature and Marine Energy in Focus, an event exploring the intersection of marine renewable energy and nature conservation. With the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss intensifying, balancing renewable energy expansion with habitat protection has become crucial.

Scheduled for 27th November at 7:00pm at the Torch Theatre, the evening will feature key voices from the marine energy industry, conservation groups, and the community. A panel of experts will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by marine renewable energy projects on local wildlife, examining how these initiatives might coexist with nature.

David Tudor, Co-Founder of Ocean and Coastal Futures and Pelagos, will host the event. Panel highlights include:

The Crown Estate: Providing perspectives on seabed leasing for offshore wind projects.
Emma Williams, Marine Biologist and Freediving Instructor with Celtic Deep: Offering insights into local marine life and its vital protection.
Joseph Kidd, Afallen: Sharing lessons from marine energy projects and implications for future developments.
Nadia Tomsa, Sea Trust: Focusing on marine conservation and community roles in biodiversity preservation.
Will Cooke, OWC: Discussing responsible practices in project consenting, monitoring, and surveying.

The event will encourage an open conversation, with attendees invited to engage directly with the experts. Admission is free, though seating is limited to 100.

This forum is part of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s Marine Energy Engagement Plan, an initiative funded by the Welsh Government’s Coastal Capacity Building Challenge Fund and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The Plan seeks to empower local communities in Pembrokeshire to participate in marine renewable energy efforts through education and information.

For further details, visit the Torch Theatre website.

https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/events/pembrokeshire-coastal-forum-nature-and-marine-energy-in-focus

Business

Huge new facility at Pembroke Power station approved

Published

1 week ago

November 8, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A GREEN hydrogen fuel production facility by Pembroke Power Station has been approved by Pembrokeshire planners, despite a concern raised about the amount of water it will take from the county’s Llys y Fran reservoir.

An application by Pembroke RWE Generation UK plc for the construction of a green hydrogen production facility, with associated works including a water supply pipeline to the Pembroke Power Station and electrical supply connection to the National Grid Substation on land adjacent to Pembroke Power Station, was recommended for conditional approval at the November meeting of the county council’s planning committee.

Green hydrogen is produced from water, in an electrolysing process using electricity obtained from renewable sources; the electrolyser site previously occupied by the power station’s sports and social club.

A report for planners stated: “The electrolyser is planned to be powered with ‘low carbon electricity supplied primarily via grid connected renewables’ and will create ‘green hydrogen’ for use in industrial processes. Water for the electrolyser will come from existing power station supplies.

“The pipeline corridor would supply hydrogen gas to the Valero Refinery. The pipeline corridor would follow the route of an existing natural gas pipeline. Most of the pipeline corridor would be underground, passing across farmland and a wooded area. It will emerge above ground within the Valero Refinery. The working width of the construction area for the pipeline is expected to be approximately 30m.”

Some of the final details are subject to potential change, members heard, but the maximum height of the flare stack would be 25m and the electrolyser building and compressor building would be up to 17m in height.

The report also quoted the applicant: “By bringing together technologies such as hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage, battery storage and floating offshore wind to the Pembroke area, RWE can help to decarbonise the energy sector in Wales for generations to come. RWE’s ambitions will build on Pembrokeshire’s local energy heritage, safeguarding existing jobs at the development site, while delivering a significant local economic investment and creating new jobs throughout construction and operation.”

Speaking at the November planning meeting, project development manager Zoe Harrison told members would make “a significant contribution to net zero,” the green fuel leading to approximately 90,000 tons less of Carbon Dioxide being produced a year, the equivalent of 18,000 cars being taken off the road.

Cllr Steve Alderman, who said he was in support of the proposal, raised the issue of the amount of water the facility would take from the Llys y Fran reservoir to produce two tons of hydrogen fuel per hour, members hearing nine kilos of water was needed for every kilo of hydrogen fuel produced by the electrolysing process.

Zoe Harrison said the water was available through an existing agreement with Welsh Water, and a suggestion by Cllr Alderman to look at desalinating seawater was not part of the current scheme but could potentially be looked at in the future.

Moving approval, Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall said: “I’m sure everybody does realise this is a very important project for Pembrokeshire full stop,” adding: “I can’t emphasise enough how the people in my area can’t wait for this development.”

Fellow Pembroke dock councillor Tony Wilcox also supported the proposal, saying of concerns about potential visual impacts: “To a certain extent, that horse has bolted, because it’s in the middle of a power station.”

Members unanimously supported delegated approval for the application.

The facility is expected to take 24 months to build, an earlier consultation on the scheme said, and could be built by early 2027.