Brett Baber, Director of Operations and Maintenance at BELECTRIC’s UK subsidiary, shares his insights on how the company can support the UK Government’s new clean energy manifesto
The United Kingdom has set itself a Net Zero target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. The government plans to increase solar capacity fivefold by 2035 to a total of 70 GW. This bold target presents significant challenges and remarkable opportunities, particularly in operations and maintenance (O&M). BELECTRIC is one of Europe’s leading service providers in solar power plants’ development, construction, and operation.
With more than 23 years of experience in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) and O&M, BELECTRIC is leading the way in solar and battery storage solutions. It’s fitting, therefore, that we provide insight here on how BELECTRIC can support the UK Government’s new clean energy manifesto.
Government’s vision: Making Britain a clean energy superpower
The new Labour Government’s manifesto, “Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower”, sets forth an ambitious plan to transform the UK’s energy landscape. Key objectives include:
- Cutting energy bills.
- Generating hundreds of thousands of job opportunities within the green energy sector.
- Increasing energy security by using domestic renewable resources.
- Assuming a leading position in global efforts to combat climate change and protect future generations.
At BELECTRIC, we are fully aligned with these goals and ready to play our part.
BELECTRIC’s role in supporting the government’s agenda
Solar power deployment: BELECTRIC’s extensive experience in deploying utility- scale solar projects aligns with the UK Government’s goal to achieve clean power by 2030. These projects provide substantial clean energy and stimulate local economies by creating jobs.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS): BESS are crucial for stabilising the grid and managing solar energy’s intermittent nature. BELECTRIC’s advanced BESS solutions ensure a reliable energy supply, supporting the government’s vision of secure and uninterrupted power. BESS stores excess energy during low-demand periods and distributes it during peak times, reducing energy costs for households and businesses.
Economic and employment impact: Our projects create jobs across various sectors, including engineering, construction, and maintenance. This directly supports the government’s objective of revitalising industrial heartlands and coastal communities. BELECTRIC is also committed to training programmes that equip local workers with the skills needed for the green energy transition, fostering long-term employment and career growth.
Policy alignment and advocacy: BELECTRIC actively collaborates with policymakers to shape a regulatory environment conducive to rapid renewable energy deployment. Our insights and data-driven approaches help inform effective policy decisions. We advocate for partnerships between the public and private sectors to accelerate the development of renewable energy infrastructure, leveraging combined resources and expertise.
Innovation and addressing the technical skills shortage
In its O&M activities for solar farms, BELECTRIC leverages advanced technologies such as robotics, drones and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and accuracy. These innovations ensure thorough inspections, predictive maintenance, and minimal downtime by continuously monitoring equipment health and performance trends. This proactive approach enables early detection of potential issues, minimising operational disruptions and maximising energy output.
The integration of advanced technologies in our operations necessitates a skilled workforce. Therefore, we have established comprehensive training programmes in our Centre of Excellence to upskill our workforce, equipping them with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge. Moreover, we are actively engaging with educational institutions and offer work-based trainings and internships that provide hands-on experience.
By investing in training and development, we are not only addressing the UK’s well-documented shortage of technical skills in the renewable energy sector but also creating high-quality jobs that support the government’s job creation targets. However, to effectively address the technical skills shortage, we need backing from the government and local councils. Support in the form of funding for training programmes, educational initiatives, and policy incentives is crucial to ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers ready to drive the green energy transition.
Similarly, cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial for developing a workforce capable of supporting the renewable energy industry’s rapid growth. We advocate for partnerships that combine resources, expertise, and strategic planning.
Protecting wildlife and future generations
While we are eager to bid farewell to the oil industry and its environmental toll, we must focus on protecting our wildlife and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. At BELECTRIC, we are dedicated to implementing eco-friendly practices that protect natural habitats. Our goal is to develop and construct solar farms that serve as sanctuaries for endangered animal and plant species. After all, the only kind of energy spill we want is a burst of sunlight.
By aligning BELECTRIC’s capabilities with the government’s clean energy manifesto, we can collectively drive the UK towards a sustainable, secure, and prosperous energy future. Our expertise in solar and BESS, combined with a collaborative approach with government and local councils, will play a pivotal role in making Britain the clean energy superpower it strives to be. Together, we can cut energy costs, create jobs, address the technical skills shortage, and achieve net zero by 2035, ensuring a greener and more resilient future for all.
