High Places and Extended Views
“High places and extended views are propitious to excursions of the imagination”, wrote the eighteenth century cleric and travel writer, William Gilpin. During my sabbatical earlier this year I walked a few of Scotland’s peaks – our Munros – with friends, and there is an essential truth to Gilpin’s observations. Sitting on top of a hill makes you look to the horizon and, well, let your imagination out for a walk.
A few months ago I walked up Ben Vorlich with a friend from when we were both at Airtricity. From the summit we looked east to the turbines of the Braes of Doune windfarm, the second project we built in the UK, and just over the southern horizon towards the blades of the huge Clyde array which we bequeathed to SSE when they bought Airtricity. Far off to the east again, and out to sea, the Saipem 7000 floating crane was busy erecting the turbines of the Neart na Gaoithe project, developed by Mainstream. Now EDF and ESB are bringing it into operation.
I joined Mainstream when it started in 2008. In that year globally, wind and solar power amounted to 2.5% of all electricity generation. In 2022, wind and solar comprised 12% of all generation. According to Ember’s 2023 Global Electricity Review in 2022, Solar generation rose by 24%, making it the fastest-growing electricity source for 18 years in a row; wind generation grew by 17%. The increase in global solar generation in 2022 could have met the annual electricity demand of South Africa, and the rise in wind generation could have powered almost all of the UK.
This trajectory, while impressive, is not enough. Not nearly enough. The recent launch of the global 3X renewables campaign underscores the distance we need to travel in the next decade if we are to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5c.
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Only this week the IEA reminded us – if we needed reminding – that grids are the weakest link in this drive for more renewable energy. There will be #notransitionwithouttransmission, to coin a hashtag.
There is so much more to do – but it is tangible and achievable. Today may be my last day at Mainstream Renewable Power, but it is not my last day helping to push for the summit of the energy transition.
High Places and Extended Views – imagine what it will be like when we get there.
Partner,Head of Energy , Burness Paull
1 年Spot on Adam.I have long enjoyed the Gilpin reflection, now with your supplement!
Wind energy pioneer
1 年Last weekend was clearly a time for reflection. I have just posted my own in rather a similar vein. I look forward to discovering your next sphere of influence Adam, where I am sure you will make your presence felt to good effect.
Managing Director and Chair providing political and communication advice across public, private, and third sectors.
1 年Quite a term, congratulations and good luck with whatever is next.
Communications | Supporting the transition to a zero carbon future at RES
1 年Good luck with the next chapter Adam.
Supply Chain Consultant at PHGP Management Services Ltd
1 年Schiehallion?