Despite the disappointment we felt at the governments new plan to reach net zero goals, and its failure to recognise the potential benefits of solar PV on warehouse rooftops, there are nevertheless encouraging signs that the voice of the industry is finally being heard in Whitehall.
As part of the Future of Freight plan, established in June 2022, last month the government launched a new Freight Energy Forum (FEF), aimed at boosting decarbonisation and innovation across the freight industry. Drawing together energy experts, key representatives from each part of the supply chain and relevant government departments, the FEF is tasked with supporting all modes of transport plus warehousing to transition to net zero by 2050.
The forum will create a plan to roll out future energy infrastructure for the industry and, importantly, explore solutions that could help the freight industry start reducing emissions immediately. The first meeting has already taken place and I was heartened by the clear appetite among the many high powered participants to pool expertise, share resources and pull together to move forward at pace.
Representing the warehousing sector, I was of course keen to seize the opportunity to share the exciting opportunities around solar power for our sector – to drive down carbon emissions and reduce electricity costs, not only for warehouse owners and operators, but for the industry in general as well as doubling solar capacity for UK plc.
Major barriers to rolling out solar PV, identified in our report of last year, include National Grid permits, access and capacity, as well as not-fit-for-purpose DNOs (Distribution Network Operators). This point was picked up at the inaugural FEF meeting where issues around planning were highlighted, as well as the connection processes between DNOs and Local Authorities, all of which operate differently. Our recommendation to the government is wholesale reform of the way DNOs operate and their regulation by Ofgem – also represented on the new FEF!
The FEF remit is to assess the supply and demand of energy requirements for the sector, examine the types of energy infrastructure required for refuelling or recharging and identify where such infrastructure will be needed across the UK in locations including motorway service stations, rail freight terminals, airports, ports and, of course, warehouses.
There are, of course, no easy solutions or quick wins on this journey. But the launch of the Freight Energy Forum sends a clear message that the government is open to feedback and advice, not only from energy experts and academics, but is listening to those actually operating in the industry. This is our chance to make sure the needs of our sector are fully understood and, more importantly, acted upon.
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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