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Net Zero: Seeing the whole picture
In the drive towards net zero, transparency is critical. Yet as the UK races to decarbonise, questions around the true cost of this transition are becoming harder to ignore. Recent analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) reveals that the ‘hidden’ costs of achieving net zero are set to add an average of £255 a year to household bills by 2030, as taxpayers indirectly fund the shift to cleaner energy sources through a complex web of subsidies and levies.
This surge is driven in part by the need to keep gas-fired power stations on standby when renewable sources like wind and solar fall short, adding billions to the cost of decarbonisation.
But the path to net zero need not be a financial burden if we consider a more comprehensive approach to our existing energy infrastructure. Rather than focusing solely on building new, headline-grabbing projects like the £4 billion Rampion 2 wind farm in the English Channel, the UK must also invest in extending the operational life of its existing assets.
This approach not only lowers the carbon cost of power generation but also reduces the capital required to meet our climate goals. In fact, 30% of the 9,000 onshore wind turbines in the UK are nearing the end of their original design life. By investing in life extension, operators can generate power without the environmental impact of new infrastructure.
At this year’s ALL-ENERGY event in Glasgow, ERIKS launched a new Lifetime Extension and Through-Life Management Service for onshore wind turbines.
This comprehensive service, developed in partnership with Xi Engineering Consultants and 1StopWind, helps wind farm operators extend the life of their assets by integrating digital twins, predictive diagnostics, and advanced repair capabilities.
This joined-up, data-driven approach allows operators to maximise the value of their existing investments, reducing lifecycle costs and supporting long-term profitability.
For wind farm operators, this is a compelling proposition. As the Energy Institute recently noted, life extension not only maximises uptime and reduces the carbon impact of wind power but also turns sunk costs into profitable returns.
With the right data, operators can make informed decisions that extend turbine life safely, sustainably, and economically. This is not just good for the bottom line, but also for the planet, as every year of additional operation reduces the need for new raw materials and lowers the carbon footprint of power generation.
As the UK government looks to accelerate its clean energy goals with initiatives like the new council for clean energy and AI, it is clear that the road to net zero must be paved with more than just new technology.
It requires a transparent, long-term approach that prioritises the sustainability of our existing infrastructure. For businesses, this means moving beyond siloed thinking and embracing a through-life strategy that maximises the value of every asset.
For more information, get in touch with your local ERIKS Service Centre who will be happy to discuss your options.
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