A solar insider’s guide to GB Energy and Crown Estate bills
With Labour focused on speeding up Britain’s transition to green power, we consider what two far-reaching pieces of new legislature mean for local authorities and specialist commercial partners.
In the UK, the shift towards renewable energy has gained unprecedented momentum, with solar power emerging as a key player in the country’s energy transition. Recent government policies are set to accelerate the adoption of solar energy further, presenting businesses with opportunities and challenges.
Accelerating the green transition
The Labour government has made it clear that renewable energy is at the forefront of its strategy to combat climate change. On 25 July 2024, it introduced the GB Energy Bill and Crown Estate Bill to Parliament. These pieces of legislation are critical components of the UK’s strategy to expand renewable energy infrastructure.
The GB Energy Bill is designed to streamline the development of new energy projects, including solar, by simplifying regulatory processes and providing clear frameworks for investment. This bill also include provisions that support the integration of renewable energy into the national grid, ensuring that solar power can be more easily harnessed and distributed across the country.
The Crown Estate Bill is another significant step, as it facilitates a partnership between Great British Energy and the Crown Estate to deliver new offshore wind developments on Crown Estate land. While this focuses on wind energy, the overall strategy reflects a broader governmental push towards renewable energy sources, including solar. This partnership is expected to unlock vast tracts of land for renewable energy projects, potentially including large-scale solar farms, which will be essential to meeting the UK’s energy needs.
While central government policies lay the groundwork for renewable energy expansion, local governments are crucial in implementing these strategies at a community level, ensuring that solar energy projects align with regional planning guidelines, community needs, and environmental considerations. This often involves identifying suitable sites for solar installations, navigating local regulatory frameworks, and engaging with residents and businesses to build support for renewable energy initiatives.
Chesham Town Hall and local government solar initiative
Local governments often take a leading role in the transition to renewable energy, acting both as participants and regulators. One such example is our recent project with Chesham Town Hall, where Kimble Solar installed 70 solar panels for the Chesham Town Council. The council reached out to Kimble Solar after hearing about our work through environmental networks.
We were invited to participate in a formal tendering process alongside four other companies. The council laid out a clear and structured process for selecting a supplier, based on criteria such as product quality, availability, long-term sustainability, and pricing. Notably, pricing was not the dominant factor; instead, they emphasised finding the best product to meet their long-term energy needs. After submitting our tender in early March, we received approval to proceed with the project by late April.
Planning and coordination were key components of the project, especially given the need to secure approval from the DNO [Distribution Network Operator] by early June. Once everything was in place, we began installation in mid-July, and the project was completed in a week, with some minor disruptions like the temporary suspension of disabled parking.
This project illustrates how local governments, like Chesham Town Council, can set a powerful example by embracing renewable energy, reducing their carbon footprint, and saving on energy costs. The installation at Chesham Town Hall serves as a model for other councils, showcasing the benefits of solar power for public buildings. Projects like these not only decrease operational expenses, allowing governments to reinvest in community services, but also inspire local businesses and residents to explore their own renewable energy options.
At Kimble Solar, we’ve seen increased interest in solar installations across the region since the completion of this project. Chesham Town Hall’s prominent location in the middle of town, overlooking a busy bypass, provides high visibility, showcasing the council’s investment in sustainability.
The success of this project is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of local governments, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. With the support of initiatives like the GB Energy Bill, we expect such projects to become even easier to implement and more widespread across the UK.
How it will impact business
The impact of these policies, particularly when combined with local government initiatives, will be far-reaching, influencing not just energy costs but also operational strategies and long-term sustainability goals for UK businesses.
One of the most immediate benefits for businesses adopting solar power is the reduction in energy costs. With electricity prices in the UK expected to rise 7% year on year, generating your own solar energy can provide significant financial savings. By reducing reliance on the grid, businesses can achieve substantial savings, particularly during peak time periods when prices are highest.
Relying on solar power can also provide businesses with greater energy independence. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about the stability of global energy supplies, generating your electricity through solar can offer a level of security against external disruptions. This is particularly relevant for industries where a consistent energy supply is critical to operations.
While the initial investment in solar energy may seem substantial, the long-term financial gains are considerable. With government incentives reducing the upfront costs, businesses can expect a faster payback period. Additionally, as technology improves and the cost of solar panels continues to decrease, the return on investment will only become more attractive. Over time, businesses that adopt solar energy will enjoy lower operational costs, giving them a competitive edge in their respective markets.
Preparing for the Future
The government’s introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the Crown Estate Bill, are clear indicators that solar energy will play a central role in the country’s future energy landscape.
Businesses that act now to integrate solar energy into their operations will be well-positioned to reap the benefits of reduced energy costs, enhanced sustainability, and greater energy security.
The future of energy is solar, and with the right approach, businesses can lead the way in this transformative journey.
Chris Sadler is the CEO and founder of Kimble Solar, a family-run renewable energy-focused electrical business based in Buckinghamshire.
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Image: Kimble Solar