In a recently shared study conducted by the World Population Review, they disclosed that the United Kingdom has finally ranked 2nd place for the most environmentally friendly country in the world. Measuring a total of 32 performance indicators, from domestic eco-friendly practices and air pollution to the scale of ecologically friendly wetlands and clean drinking water, their study ranked the UK a total of 77.7 out of 80 - beaten only by Denmark in 2022.
The United Kingdom, whilst small, is making impressive progress in its efforts to establish a nation of sustainable living, natural beauty and supported wildlife across the four countries. With new projects being introduced every single day in the fields of clean water, recycling, reforestation and pollution reduction, the sustainability efforts of the UK are thriving.
So in celebration of this ranking, we wanted to share some good news from the world of British sustainability and highlight the five largest and most important renewable energy projects currently taking place in the UK right now.
Location: East Lothian, Scotland
Investment: £3.62 billion
Set to become Scotland’s largest single source of renewable power, and contribute to the UK’s offshore wind target, the Inch Cape Wind Farm comprises 72 turbines along the Angus Coast, connecting to the national transmission system in East Lothian. With a promise to generate enough power to fuel 1.7m homes, the farm is being developed with sustainability in mind - closely examining and curating its supply chain for the most efficient, progressive and eco-friendly options.
Presenting not only jobs and employment opportunities for locals, the farm will also work with local businesses in the construction, supply, fulfillment and transport required to complete the final project.
Location: Middlesbrough, England
Investment: £650 million
Built alongside the River Tees in the North East of England, the Tees Renewable Energy Plant is a biomass station designed to generate sustainable power through excess wood waste from timber mills and workshops in the USA. Proposing to generate enough power to support 600,000 homes in the area, the Tees project is also set to save 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year - contributing significantly to the UK’s renewables target.
This plant will become the world’s biggest purpose-built biomass station, with a nameplate capacity of 299 MW - a first for the biomass industry.
Location: Kent, England
Investment: £450 million
In 2021, the Cleve Hill Solar Park was acquired by renewables investors, Quinbrook, and is set to be one of the most ambitious solar projects in the UK. Generating its renewable power through Solar PV, the park will provide clean energy to over 90,000 homes and businesses. Classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), the development of the park is ongoing, with further features including secure energy storage facilities, a Habitat Management area to protect local wildlife and electrical connection infrastructure connecting the park to the Cleve Hill Substation.
They plan to achieve an on-site net biodiversity benefit of 85% and to generate £1 million of income for local authorities and services.
Location: Yorkshire, England
Investment: £1.2 billion
Located in the North Sea, the Hornsea One project is an offshore wind farm that generates enough green energy to supply over 1 million homes with power. Owned by Danish organisation Orsted, the Hornsea One farm is based 1.2km out to sea and is one of the largest renewable energy projects within the UK - the first of its kind to reach 1GW in capacity.
Comprising 174 wind turbines, the farm works to support growing UK supply chains and generates investments for local community projects, employment, charities and education. With its sister farm, Hornsea Two, also generating significant amounts of green energy, the Osted projects are predicted to be a great success.
Location: Yorkshire, England
Investment: £8.27 billion
Comprising three different wind farms, the Dogger Bank project is set to become one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Located in the North East of England, these farms will collectively supply up to 6 million homes with clean wind-generated electricity and power. The result of a joint venture with SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%), the project has a life expectancy of around 35 years, with a number of specialist large turbines with enormous generating capacity.
Dogger Bank is also committed to supporting the local communities surrounding the project, working with educational institutions to share vital skills and information on sustainability and green energy with the next generation.
‘Green energy projects like these are vital to help keep the UK at the top of the environmental rankings. We pride ourselves on being a progressive and ecologically-driven nation and throughout the country, more and more projects are being created to help protect our most invaluable resources. At Clean Energy Capital, our job is to help landowners and businesses alike form their own projects to help the environment and to seek the best renewable solution for you.’
David Lyons - Projects Development Director
To find out more about how Clean Energy Capital can help you make the most out of your land, or to find the right environmental solution for your business, speak to our team today.
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