Chaberton Energy’s Post

👀 Last week saw a number of big news stories break, not least the results of the US election, though there was plenty going on at a more local level too. ☀️ There are reported plans from Renewable Power Capital and Elmya for a 5,000 acre solar project between Diss and Long Stratton, which could be 900MW in size - though firm details are yet to emerge, while ⏩ National Grid is looking at potentially speeding up the delivery of two power cable projects - the 114-mile Tilbury to Norwich scheme and 90-mile Sea Link project. Opergy Group MD, Johnathan Reynolds said: "It’s not just about the speed – these projects must also set a precedent in sustainability, driving local skills, supply chain growth and wider regional and environmental benefits. This includes ensuring that infrastructure expansion is conducted with environmental stewardship in mind, minimising impacts on natural habitats and supporting biodiversity." As well as habitats and environments, supporting communities will be paramount too. While renewable energy projects have their obvious benefits, they are impactful for communities therefore ensuring that local areas are able to grasp all the opportunities on offer to drive community changes, growth and sustainability will also be vital. Discover more on the latest news stories by visiting the link in the comments. #netzero #energytransition #solarpower #offshorewind #norwichtotilbury

Congratulations Team Bute! Mid-morning I was feeling pretty low after being given the "good news" of injured LCL, ruptured ACL, and torn meniscus (as with my work I give everything my best shot!). But whenI saw this, which resonates on several levels, I genuinely perked up. 1. Since the Mid Wales Connection was "pickled" way back when, when I was client-side pursuing large WF's in Wales, the cry has been "there's no grid [capacity] in Wales", leading to >1.2GW of stranded, consented, onshore generation. Step forward Bute with a self-help "lets build ourselves out of the problem" solution. 2. During (when it was a secret), and after (when it was public knowledge), our Technical Due Diligence #TDD of this portfolio, we had some choice views aired about these "new kids on the block". It just goes to show that "fortune favours the brave, Rodney" and it's seldom wasted effort to bring a fresh pair of eyes to an old problem. 3. Lastly, this is probably our busiest year to date of TDD projects, despite a reported 25% fewer projects coming to the market. But it's been hard to extract job satisfaction - We know it's not spin to say that project success for a TDD exercise doesn't have to play out with a successful transaction close: Highlighting problems that can't be overcome whilst delivering an acceptable sale value prevents our clients from wasting money on schemes that won't be delivered. But it's hard seeing deal after deal fall through. So it's bloody marvellous to see "one of our babies" get consented, whilst recognising there are a few steps to go for it to become operational. Now ITPEnergised (part of SLR) are part of SLR Consulting, joined by Wardell Armstrong LLP (part of SLR), we're even better placed to help take these type of projects forward, from feasibility through to operations (and repowering). Thanks for cheering me up.

A recent meeting in Lancaster County revealed deep divisions over NextEra Energy's proposed 2,400-acre solar farm. While the project promises job creation and renewable energy, many residents are concerned about its impact on wildlife, farmland, and property values. As the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission prepares to make a decision, community members continue to voice their strong opinions. This ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing clean energy development with local needs and concerns. 🌞🌾 #SolarEnergy #CommunityVoices #LancasterCounty https://lnkd.in/eJaPhFQM #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

As the transition to renewable energy accelerates, the approval of large-scale solar projects, such as the 282-acre solar farm in Hett, highlights key challenges we must address. Balancing energy security with local environmental and agricultural concerns is crucial. While projects like Lightsource bp’s solar farm will help the UK meet its renewable energy targets, community voices raise valid concerns about land use and long-term impact. #RenewableEnergy #SolarFarms #Sustainability #EnergySecurity #Consulting #UKEnergy #ClimateAction #SolarPower https://lnkd.in/eqx6YFBY

Wind power and tree planting! 🌳 Profits from community windfarm to fund a million native trees in Hebrides. Calum Macdonald, the former Labour MP leading the project, hoped this example could be a model for community owned energy projects across the UK. This project was set up to recycle renewable energy profits into community wealth-building and improvements, he said, in contrast to the large-scale multi-national owned wind farms causing resentment among the communities nearby. In Denmark, about half of turbines are community-owned. Many rural communities in the UK feel excluded from the profits generated by energy firms, and resent the large turbines, sub-stations and large pylons built in their areas. “I would love to use the green energy revolution to get a lot more long-term benefits for our communities,” Macdonald said. https://lnkd.in/esH4zWAc #treeplanting #treeplanting #RenewablePower #renewableenergy #windpower #communityenergy #treeplanting #treeplanting #RenewablePower #renewableenergy #windpower #communityenergy

Rockbridge County is taking a bold step into renewable energy with the approval of the Warm Run Solar project, a 35-acre solar farm that promises to meet local electricity needs and boost tax revenue. While many celebrate this shift towards sustainability, some residents voice concerns about traffic, aesthetics, and property values. Explore the diverse community reactions and discover how this initiative could shape the future of clean energy in the area. https://lnkd.in/ends4HGW #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

Communities should see significant benefits from the citing of grid connections and renewable infrastructure. "In terms of good practice on shared ownership to date, this project reaches what we consider to be the gold standard, and we fully endorse it. The decision has to be made by PEDW, balancing the evidence submitted about the benefits of the project, with the impacts. Community Ownership is not by law a material benefit. We think it should be, and we think it matters that as many voices as possible let the planners know that we think a community stake matters." #CommunityEnergy #renewables #Energy

Woodstock North High School is adjusting its solar farm project after ComEd found the original plans too ambitious for the current grid. While the downsizing comes as a disappointment, it does lead to significant cost savings—dropping from $4.5 million to around $2.47 million! Plus, with state and federal tax incentives, the district anticipates potential savings of about $2.475 million. Though not all energy needs will be met, projected long-term savings could still reach around $1.9 million over 20 years. This project highlights both challenges and opportunities in our journey toward sustainable energy solutions! 🌞💡 #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/eZSujefn #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

"Australia’s Clean Energy Boom: A $10 Billion Windfall for Farmers 🌱⚡ Renewable energy projects across Australia’s electricity grid are not just powering the nation—they’re transforming rural communities. With payments to farmers and landholders hosting these projects expected to surpass AUD 1 billion by 2030 and up to AUD 10 billion by 2050, the clean energy shift is creating new opportunities for growth and sustainability. 🌏💚 Let’s drive the green revolution together! #CleanEnergy #SustainableFarming #GreenAustralia #RenewableFuture #EcoGrowth"

Does the word Transmission Lines send shivers down your spine? I've worked on both sides of fence (transmission lines), and recently witnessed first-hand the devastating (unintended) impact that this energy transmission is having on regional communities. A local football team has asked members to 'take their side' and is on the cusp of refusing to let players play if they support a local renewable project. They will not entertain sponsorship, they no longer trust the information they have been fed, and it's tearing communities apart. Some attempts have been made to support legacy benefits and help communities repair after investments are made, but ongoing monitoring, compliance, and oversight of these projects is taking its toll on small communities. PiLoR payments are consumed by increased monitoring and management requirements, and touted social benefits are only expected to be spent on more energy-related investments. I'm not going to pretend to have the answer. Has the horse bolted? Will communities be even more be divided? What I hope to do is make a difference, support lasting legacies for rural communities, and maximise the residual benefits. Why can't these investments support local housing, and is it too far-reaching for a developer to sponsor local health professionals in the region? These are some of the 'real' challenges regions face. The response will take strategic foresight, advocacy and diplomacy. otherwise it looks like it will happen and regions will lose out.