The UK’s latest partnership with Japanese trading company, Sumitomo Corporation, has unlocked £7.5 billion in funding for clean energy schemes by 2035. This large investment presents a significant opportunity for the clean energy sector to expand at speed in order to help meet the UK’s ambitious environmental targets.
However, such a large funding boost naturally raises questions about how the corresponding infrastructure can be delivered at pace, without compromising on quality, especially when it comes to the construction methods. This announcement follows the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, suggesting that more of the same partnerships could be on the horizon – the pressure is on to ensure this investment is a success.
Meeting the criteria for speed and quality are modular and offsite solutions, which are by no means are uncommon in clean energy infrastructure projects. Already used across a number of hydroenergy, offshore wind and nuclear installations, modular facilities have predominantly provided ancillary support, such as temporary welfare accommodation or offices for workers during the construction process. However, offering a host of benefits including speed, flexibility, sustainability and cost effectiveness, the sector is currently missing opportunities to deploy modular solutions more widely as part of the project itself.
A challenge that is unique to clean energy infrastructure is that the project is often in a remote or rural location. This is particularly true for offshore wind farms, as any infrastructure must be situated along the coastline. These locations often come with many constraints, meaning a traditional build would be prohibitively expensive, difficult, time-consuming and potentially even more dangerous for the workers onsite.
Modular buildings can be much more practical in remote locations not just because the units themselves are constructed offsite, meaning that the any risk of the unusual geography or weather impacting the build are greatly minimised, but also because they offer innovative solutions which can be designed to fit the unique needs of the site and project allowing challenges to be navigated easily.
Building the modules in a controlled factory environment also allows for precise manufacturing, which means that no material is wasted. The nature of these projects mean that they are typically under far more scrutiny for their sustainability credentials, making using a sustainable method of construction particularly vital. Accessing investment and funding similar to the Sumitomo Corporation’s often has a rigorous application process, requiring in depth details about how the construction companies involved plan to navigate sustainability requirements while onsite. A modular solution not only minimises waste product but units procured on a rental basis can be used reused and repurposed, creating a circular economy and limiting carbon emissions.
Speed is also a key decision factor for critical and clean energy infrastructure. The UK government has implemented ambitious decarbonisation, environmental and net zero targets, meaning that time is of the essence to get clean energy projects up and running. While 10 years may seem like a long time to get projects completed, delays, particularly in the planning process, are common, putting pressure on the entire project timeline. Modular solutions are much quicker to build than traditional construction methods, because the majority of construction work is completed in a factory offsite. In fact, it’s possible for the work to be completed in a matter of weeks if necessary.
To reap the benefits, early collaboration between the clean energy and construction sectors is key. As modular solutions can offer bespoke solutions, early discussions about the challenges of the site, the infrastructure requirements and any additional conditions can help modular designers to begin thinking creatively about any bespoke solutions that are required. Like with any construction project, ample planning time leads to a smoother overall delivery.
In order for Sumitomo Corporation’s investment to be used efficiently, investors and construction companies need to consider all possible solutions. While it can be tempting to rely on tried-and-tested construction methods, this does not always delivery the highest-quality or most cost-effective results. Modular buildings can provide solutions that future proof projects, while being both sustainable and cost effective. With the government’s pledges to bolster the clean energy sector and billion pound investments being agreed, it’s never been more crucial for the sector to explore and interrogate its chosen methods of construction, or risk wasting valuable and limited funds, time and resources.
For more information: Premier Modular