5 Ways to Power Your Business

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Powering your business is more than just flipping a switch. It’s about making strategic choices that align with your values, optimise costs, and reduce environmental impact. 

Through strategic decision making, your business can achieve cost reduction while also playing a part in creating a greener and more sustainable future. Here we will explore five ways to power your business, providing valuable insights to drive your organisation towards a brighter and more efficient tomorrow.

Grid Energy

Central grid energy, distributed throughout the UK via District Network Operators (DNO’s), is the most common choice for businesses. It offers reliable and stable power, ensuring uninterrupted operations, and as the grid becomes less carbon intensive, so does your business! However, relying solely on the grid makes your business vulnerable to wholesale market volatility which can lead to uncertainty regarding operational costs. Additionally, it limits your control over the non commodity elements that a business is responsible for, and the carbon intensity of the grid is decreasing, if it were to increase, this could affect any sustainability and environmental goals your business might have.

Private Wire Supply

Private wire supply involves establishing a direct connection to an independent energy generator, such as a solar or wind farm. This option can result in significant cost savings, as it bypasses utility companies and their associated charges. It also provides energy security and gives you increased control over your power supply. However, implementing a private wire supply requires high upfront investment and may not be easily scalable. Ongoing maintenance is also necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Also known as cogeneration, it simultaneously generates electricity and usable heat from a single energy source. This method can improve efficiency, resulting in cost savings and enhanced reliability. However, the initial investment for CHP systems can be high, and it may not provide complete independence from the grid. Additionally, the environmental impact depends on the type of fuel used, as non-renewable sources can contribute to carbon emissions.

Solar PV (onsite)

Solar PV is a renewable energy technology that converts sunlight into electricity through the use of solar panels. Businesses opting for solar PV can experience significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Businesses can take advantage of tax incentives and rebates provided for adopting renewable energy solutions and experience energy independence, allowing businesses to generate their own electricity and mitigate the impact of power outages or rising energy costs. However, there are certain challenges associated with Solar PV adoption. High upfront costs for equipment and installation can be a barrier. Solar PV systems are also weather dependent, relying on sunlight availability, which can affect consistent energy production and regular maintenance is also required to ensure the system operates at peak efficiency.