The Future of Clean Energy by Matt O'Hara

In recent years we have seen a surge in sites including a greater number of clean energy technologies in their overall hire packages, and this continues to trend in the same direction as we move through 2024. With innovations accelerating at a pace like never before, what does this mean for the future of clean energy?

Reflecting back on 2023

In order to understand and predict the direction of travel for clean energy, it is important to reflect back on 2023 and the key developments that transpired across the 12 months.

Back in November I attended the CPA Conference that gives industry leaders a platform to talk about the challenges facing the plant-hire sector, and I was fortunate enough to join panel discussion: Fuelling the Future alongside influential figures at JCB, Eagle Platforms and Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).

A short while later I attended the Focus 2023 conference that is popular with delegates from Film, TV and advertising where I took part in yet another panel discussion: Can Early Engagement Drive Down Carbon Emissions On Set?

Having taken part in these panel discussions late in the year after attending a number of other conferences and networking events throughout the previous ten months, my main takeaway was the positive change in perception of clean energy from the very top. It’s becoming clearer to thought leaders that opting for clean energy is the logical move, not only for the environment but from a financial perspective in the long run. Let me explain…

Changes in the tide

Considering the changes in perception of clean energy, it is now becoming the obvious choice for sites, particularly by those that have longer project timelines and tend to have greater levels of output, but by no means is it exclusive to this group. In years past clean energy as a capability had to go above and beyond just to prove the technology’s effectiveness, but now we see that flipped on its head. Decision makers in 2024 are vastly more aware of the technology at both a scientific and commercial level, even to the extent where we often receive requests for clean energy solutions without an initial enquiry for education. So, what is behind the positive shift?

Could it be the ‘Environmental’ factor in ESG scores that are now guiding how organisations across the board are measured on their effectiveness of contributing to an improved societal state? Or perhaps it could be the greater level of media attention climate change and sustainability receives in the present day. It could be argued that it is an emergence of more effective technologies that deliver more measurable impact with the latest telemetry capabilities. Or what about it being a natural progression of the efforts of clean energy experts across the world for the past 20+ years? The truth is, it’s likely all of those contributing factors that have created this recent big bang of activity, and the open-mindedness of everyone on site from the general worker to the decision maker is helping to create the perfect catalyst for the continued success of clean energy.

The road ahead

You have probably guessed by now, but I see the direction of travel for the future of clean energy to continue on the same positive upwards ark. Yes, there will inevitably be some late adopters, but many are already well versed in helping us to carve out the path for the future, some even considering the capabilities of hydrogen power in years to come.

Whilst it is excellent to see the high levels of enthusiasm, of which we must continue to harness, it is also essential to build metaphorical bridges at the same time in order to connect the dots from the manufacturing level right through to the site utilisation stage. Connecting these dots will allow us to facilitate conversations between the entire industry end-to-end and understand possible pain points as well as positive ideas for change. Collectively, this will help us build toward a community of clean energy enthusiasts and this will act as a real springboard for the future of clean energy.

Ultimately, we need to continue investing in three things; the best technologies, the greatest minds, and widespread collaboration. Together as one those contributing factors can help us build towards a cleaner, greener future and improve the relationship between humans and nature itself for Our Planet.

If you would like to discover how you can opt for clean energy on your site, get in touch with our experts today: Clean Energy | Sunbelt Rentals.