Upcoming Fluorescent Ban
The production of compound fluorescent and fluorescent lamps are to be discontinued as a result of new legislation, in an attempt to tackle climate change and improve energy efficiency.
Light-emitting diode (LED) lights will be most likely used in replacement of inefficient fluorescent bulbs.
Essentially, LED lights are a type of light bulb that use semiconductors to produce light, making them more energy efficient. With LEDs comes reduced carbon emissions, decreased maintenance costs, and an outstanding long lifespan. This form of lighting produces significantly brighter lights than any other type of bulb, meaning consumers can save substantial amounts on electricity costs. In addition, 95% of LED bulbs are also recyclable, making them more environmentally friendly.
The phase out of Fluorescent will begin on the 1st of September 2023, with the T8 Fluorescent (the EU is August 2023). The compact Fluorescent is to be phased out on the 1st of February 2024 (the EU is February 2023) and the T5 Fluorescent on the 24th of February 2024 (the EU is August 2023).
UK Government Seeks Supplier Ideas to Improve Household Energy Access and Control
UK suppliers have been encouraged by the government to improve energy access and control for households, in order to enable customers to benefit from lower renewable energy source costs.
This is important as a reduction in energy bills will encourage more people to switch to renewable energy sources, resulting in an overall carbon reduction for the country.
The Energy Consumers and Affordability Minister, Amanda Solloway, has revealed that the government plans to investigate lower tariffs at specific times, smart EV chargers, and renewable energy investments for electricity discounts. These plans will ensure that not just retailers, but households all over the country will be able to benefit from flexible and tailored energy use.
She claims that she wants to “put power back in the hands of customers” and allow them to have “greater options to cut their energy bills in a market fit for the future”. Ms. Solloway hopes that this will be achieved by investing in low carbon technologies.
Community Energy Together Generates £20m for Community Benefits Through Innovative Share Offers
Community Energy Together (CET) consists of Shropshire and Telford Community Energy, Kent Community Energy, Yealm Community Energy (Devon), Wight Community Energy and Gower Power.
These five community energy groups are located in England and Wales and have joined forces to launch share offers to fund the transfer of seven operational solar farms into community ownership.
The share offers will generate £20m in community benefits, creating a sustainable future for the community.
The solar farms, which are situated in Shropshire, Kent, Devon, Isle of Wight and Swansea, will have a total capacity of 36MWp at peak performance. As a result, these solar farms will have the capability to provide a significant amount of clean energy to power homes and businesses.
CET has a key focus on the green transition into clean energy, with aims of achieving net zero, as Emma Bridge, Chief Executive of Community Energy England, claims that “local ownership of our green energy infrastructure is vital for engaging people with the changes we must make to get to net zero.”
UK’s July Electricity: 52% Zero Carbon
The UK’s electricity consumption is a key factor to consider when tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions, and the country is heading in the right direction when it comes to net zero goals.
Over half of the UK’s electricity was generated by clean energy in July 2023, with 52% coming from zero carbon sources. This is an important step forward as renewable sources are more ecologically sustainable than utilising fossil fuels. This is because it means less pollution and less greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change and other environmental problems.
Wind power was a key factor, as this power source contributed to 29% of electricity generation in July, according to National Grid ESO.
On the 15th of July 2023 at 3pm, a remarkable 86% of the UK’s electricity was sourced from zero carbon sources, marking a significant milestone. This great accomplishment demonstrates the UK’s progress to a greener and more sustainable future.
LED Lights: Bright Savings
LED lights are on the rise and incandescent bulbs are experiencing a downfall as they are set to be banned due to new government regulation. However, this doesn’t affect bulbs that households and businesses already own but means they will be unable to purchase new ones.
LED lights are significantly more efficient at converting electricity into light, meaning they use less energy to produce the same amount of light, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere.
LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, therefore meaning they do not need to be replaced as often, allowing consumers to save on their energy bills and the purchasing of new bulbs, allowing consumers to make significant savings in the long run.
Incandescent bulbs use a filament to produce light, which results in these bulbs producing lots of heat. This excess heat energy is wasted as a result as it does not contribute to the production of light.
As a result of this ban, there will be many changes, including new efficiency standards for bulbs. The sale of bulbs in homes and businesses that don’t meet requirements will be regulated and banned. Furthermore, the imports of less efficient bulbs will also be banned.
Solar Myths
Solar PV is an extremely effective form of energy, that has few disadvantages, despite numerous myths that circulate the media.
Solar panels work by converting the energy from the sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells made of silicon, known as the photovoltaic effect.
Many believe that solar panels shut down in the heat, that the panels will cause damage to one’s roof, or that solar panels are bad for the environment after their lifetime is used up. However, this is not the case and scientific evidence has proven time and time again that solar is in fact a viable and sustainable source a renewable energy, despite myths that suggest otherwise.
The advantages of solar include reduced long term energy costs, as they are easy to maintain, and a long average lifespan of 25 years. Solar energy can generate electricity in any climate where daylight is available.