A collective of UK universities has published a report warning that business as usual is not sufficient to decarbonise the nation by 2050.
The consortium behind the report, led by the University of Plymouth, cautions that more efforts are needed to reach carbon net-zero by mid-century.
Though the government have ambitious energy plans, substantial changes and innovations are required.
The Future Of Offshore Wind
The second Offshore Renewable Energy Report from the Supergen ORE Hub suggests that the UK’s offshore wind capacity will need to increase 7x before 2040.
Currently, the UK government aims to increase offshore wind 4x by the end of this decade. The government will, of course, need to take sufficient and intelligent steps to reach this target. Also, per the report’s general recommendations, this should include promoting radical innovation.
Efforts must then be sustained through the 2030s to reach a 7x increase in offshore wind over sixteen years.
Offshore wind’s importance in achieving net zero is reflected in the fact that this technology is already on the rise and poised to be a leading force in the switch to renewables.
Unsurprisingly, offshore wind, onshore wind and solar power will be key elements to moving beyond fossil fuels.
The report also sees the importance of innovation and research in ensuring offshore renewable energy advances sufficiently.
According to the report, radical innovation is needed in areas such as infrastructure, grid capacity, and planning and consenting.
Renewables In General
Plymouth University also highlighted how wave energy technology research is required in the coming decade to make the most of the technology’s potential.
Wind and solar technology will likely lead the charge toward a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Nonetheless, additional alternatives like tidal technology are also likely to play an important role.
To succeed in transforming the nation’s energy system, the government should focus on innovation while spending wisely to make the most of their investment.