“Concerning our environmental influence, we’re very
comfortable that although we’re not zero impact, our
payback from renewable technologies such as carbon
reduction or water resource (i.e. the amount of water saved
compared to traditional fossil fuels) is immense.
“I also think that we perhaps don’t shout about
sustainability enough. As we’re producing ‘clean energy’,
we don’t necessarily highlight or even forget the additional
environmental benefits that come with it.
“We see sustainability, locally produced energy and
a move away from fossil fuels as progressive steps,
particularly in the supply chain for logistics and travel.
“We have a very good story to tell regarding our
environmental footprint and sustainability, and we maintain
our position in supporting clean energy at a national
and international level. We see renewable energy as a
fundamental component in driving the global industry.
“We also support various charities, in particular
those investing in innovative technologies. We support
communities who have more challenges than perhaps we
have, and Coru is our default charity of preference. This
organisation is responsible for regulating health and social
care professionals.
“We tie in and support other charities with similar
viewpoints around sustainability challenges, although we
don’t have any formal alignments.”
HSE INTERNATIONAL ASKED: “DO YOU BELIEVE THAT
RENEWABLE ENERGY CAN EVENTUALLY REPLACE OUR
RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS?”
Chris answered:
“My personal view is that renewable energy can, will
and must play an ever increasing role in the energy mix. All
energy is derived from the sun, so there is no shortage of
potential in achieving 100% renewable energy production.
Being realistic, how this would be achieved, either
politically or whether the time and cost to achieve it would
be supported, is for others to answer.
“Rather than saying we’ll be 100% by a particular
time, we work to see renewable energy with a growing
percentage share of the energy mix, each and every year.”
“We’re seeing very significant improvement in energy
storage technologies and I expect this to play an ever
increasing role, moving forward.”
RENEWABLEUK MEMBERSHIP
Chris explained: “Becoming a member increases your
visibility across the UK renewables sector and sign up is
easy.
“We have two types of members: Company Members
with an active opportunity to directly engage in our working
groups, and Correspondent Members who are involved on
an information basis.
“Your RenewableUK membership level is determined by
your company size and direct involvement in renewables
industry - the bigger you role in the renewables sector the
more you pay, the smaller you are the less you pay – it’s that
simple.”
2016 AND BEYOND
Chris concluded:
“There have been a number of changes in renewables since
the election, and the UK Government has been clear it wants
to see industry work harder to drive down costs. Onshore
wind is now competitive with new gas, while offshore wind is
bringing its costs down fast. This is a great opportunity for the
sector; proving that we have a big role in helping power the
country, and meaning that the sector can sti