Marc Haley, co-founder and director of specialist renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) firm, The E-Merge Group, discusses the deployment of renewables and how to overcome issues within the supply chain.
The primary challenge being faced by the industry, and leaders within it, revolves around ensuring a smooth supply chain to deploy tech, plus a timely connection to the grid to power up sources.
As businesses still face significant delays in the connection of renewable technology to the grid, companies are pressing the government to reassess planning regulations that will ultimately streamline grid processes. These delays, sometimes lasting up to 12 weeks, are often attributed to complications in grid connection and can be a deterrent to any businesses considering renewable solutions.
Additionally, the sector faces ongoing hurdles related to planning and regulation, despite overarching political support. Complex procedures such as environmental assessments and public consultations frequently lead to project delays and increased costs – further emphasising the need for streamlined approaches.
Marc comments: “I have seen first hand renewable firms struggling to be successful as they battle the connection times to the grid. Deploying this technology isn’t easy and many firms have paid the ultimate price due to the delays – being forced to cease trading.”
Overcoming the challenge
As the sector navigates these challenges, businesses are dependent on deploying EV and renewables solutions through contractors and subcontractors. Additionally, staying well-informed and cultivating strong relationships with relevant authorities and clients can also improve delivery.
Proactive communication, obtaining permits and engaging with the community to streamline the approval process better enhances the chance of the project moving forward. The E-Merge Group also capitalises on incentives and subsidies for EV infrastructure to alleviate installation costs for clients, while also educating wider teams on how they can leverage funding opportunities for more efficient project implementation.
Reflecting on the wider sector
Recent findings revealed that Britain now boasts nearly 60,000 public EV charging points, marking a significant 47 percent increase year on year. However despite this progress, there remains a pressing need for further action. Comparisons to the number of EVs on the road highlight a noticeable misalignment, indicating the necessity for a more robust infrastructure to support the growing demand for electric vehicles. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to accelerate the connection of wider technologies to the grid, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility.
Deploying EVs through subcontractors offers a promising solution to cover a wider geographical remit, enabling greater reach and impact. Collaborating with the local authorities and stakeholders is crucial to prioritise a healthy supply chain, supported by dedicated funding aimed at achieving net zero targets. By working together, the industry and policymakers can pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
Despite the constraints, The E-Merge Group has demonstrated resilience by successfully installing more than 50 charge points and 100 connectors to meet the evolving needs of the market. The company deployed more than 2MWs of renewable energy and 1MWs of EV charging infrastructure in just 12 months, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The E-Merge Group benefits from a network of subcontractors, allowing for increased flexibility and efficiency.
To find out more about The E-Merge Group, please visit: emerge-renewables.com.
Sources
1 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/04/17/britains-shift-net-zero-threatened-shortages/
3 https://theenergyst.com/public-ev-chargers-rise-47-year-on-year-to-60k-zapmap-records/
This article appeared in the May 2024 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.