Ripple Energy is welcoming research, published this week by Friends of the Earth, shedding light on the vast potential for more renewable energy projects across England.
The research includes a list of potential sites suitable for wind farms or solar parks. It claims, if all of these were to be developed, the UK would have more than enough green energy to meet its own needs without relying on imported fossil fuels. In addition, it proposes the UK could become a ‘green energy superpower’, exporting clean, cheap electricity to other countries.
However, the findings also highlight current challenges preventing progress such as grid development and access, and include calls for greater community benefits such as ownership.
Ripple Energy is pioneering renewable energy ownership in the UK, making it affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Ripple enables thousands of people across the UK to join together to co-own a wind farm or solar park via a co-operative, powering their homes with up to 100% green energy, reducing their electricity bills every year for the lifetime of the project, and cutting their carbon footprint.
Sarah Merrick, Founder and CEO of Ripple Energy, said:
“Friends of the Earth’s research underlines the abundant opportunities that exist to harness clean energy sources in the UK and power our future. We recognise that transitioning to renewable energy requires not just technical and legislative advancements, but proactive community level engagement and support.
That’s why we’re committed to empowering members of the public, providing ownership opportunities and tangible benefits such as financial savings, so that together we can drive forward even more wind farm and solar park developments.
As we move towards a more sustainable energy system in the UK, it’s imperative we capitalise on these findings as a nation and accelerate our transition where possible.�
Around 900 Ripple members have already saved more than £1.2m on their bills in two years after the switch-on of their very own turbine at Graig Fatha near Coedely, Wales in 2022. An eight-turbine wind farm at Kirk Hill near Girvan, Scotland is also due to complete this month, while work continues on the UK’s first people-owned solar park at Derril Water near Devon, England.
Ripple plans to launch multiple projects each year, aiming to have more than 100,000 members owning their own source of renewable energy by the end of 2025.
To read the full article, visit Friends of the Earth.
