Planning applications for UK clean energy projects hit new high

The number of new renewable energy projects applying for planning permission reached a four-year high in the UK last year as energy companies raced to meet the rising demand for clean electricity.

There were 269 planning applications for new wind, solar
 and bioenergy projects in 2019, up from 204 the year before,
 according to px Group

There were 269 planning applications for new wind, solar and bioenergy projects in 2019, up from 204 the year before, according to an analysis of government data by energy consultancy PX Group.

The jump in applications last year was the biggest annual increase in recent years and 75% higher than the number of annual planning submissions made three years ago. There were just 154 submissions in 2016, rising to 185 in 2017.

The consultancy said there was a growing appetite among energy companies for new renewable projects to help cut carbon emissions and reach the UK’s climate goals.

Read the story from The Guardian by Jillian Ambrose - “Planning applications for UK clean energy projects hit new high.” 

How to Support Renewable Energy (and Why You Really Should)

Earlier this month came the news that China plans to invest $361 billion into renewable energy projects over the next three years. A few days later, President Barack Obama penned a single author article in the journal Science, "The irreversible momentum of clean energy," in which he outlined four reasons the trend toward increasing use of clean energy does not show signs of slowing down or stopping.

Even in the currently very divided U.S. political climate, public support for increasing our use of renewable energy sources is one thing that most of us do agree on. Some are concerned about pollution. Others are concerned about the national security risk posed by relying on other countries for our energy needs. Whatever the reason, according to a 2016 study from the Pew Research Center, 89% of the public supports expanding our solar power efforts, including 83% of those who identify as conservative Republicans and 97% of liberal Democrats. Additionally, 83% of thoe polled support increasing our use of wind power.

Read Scientific American story - “How to Support Renewable Energy (and Why You Really Should).”