Learning lessons from... California

The Chancellor will stand up to deliver his autumn statement.  I'm looking forward to hearing how the Chancellor plans to grow prosperity, decarbonise the economy, whilst enhancing the natural environment.  I am hoping for a long term vision that embraces all these elements.

I'm hoping... but I am also fearful.  News of further cuts could spell more bad news for our rapidly diminishing environment budget.

I'll offer a verdict on the statement as soon as I can.

In the meantime, here's an insight about what is going on across the pond....

In a week dominated by news about changes to energy infrastructure and prices (see here for Decc's latest news), reflecting the climate change and cost of living imperatives, it was refreshing to hear how California has been there, seen it, done it and has lessons to share from which we can learn. 

On Tuesday, I participated in an evening discussion in Brussels with heads of organisations committed to overhauling Europe's energy transmission infrastructure to accommodate the increase in capacity from renewable energy capacity.  This was organised by the Renewable Grid Initiative (see here and below) of which the RSPB is a member.

The atmosphere was more positive than expected.  The theme of the evening was that shed loads of renewable energy capacity is coming on line across Europe, that improving connections between countries is an essential way to manage intermittency of supply and demand and that it is right to plan how they need to renew the infrastructure whilst respecting the natural environment.

We heard how, in California, they have taken a strategic approach to ensuring they meet and are prepared to deal with their target for c33% of their electricity supply to come from renewable sources by 2020.   Being Californian, they decided to get everyone (with different interests) together to make this happen.  Their Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (see here) identified Renewable Energy Zones using both economic and environmental criteria then determined what transmission was required to access and deliver the targets for renewable energy.

We also heard how, in positive political conditions created by successive Governors, they created a positive vision of the future behind which many people (developers, regulators and environmental NGOs) could rally.  

It was refreshing to hear what was being achieved in the States but also about ambitions across Europe.  This was a group of businessmen thinking in the long term.  Thinking about where the investment will come to renew infrastructure if the cost of energy plummets because once installed, renewable energy is well, free, and what happens (as is beginning to happen in some countries) when too much renewable energy comes on stream at any one time.  

Nice problems to have.  But they are thinking about it.  And they are happy to talk to nature conservation organisations to renew our energy infrastructure  in ways that does not cause needless harm to wildlife.  All power to their elbow.

These are lessons from which, I hope, the UK will learn.

Where else do you think the UK should be looking for answers?

It would be great to hear your views.

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The Renewable Grid Initiative's SuperSmart Grid 60 second story...

VISION

...electricity is the lifeblood of modern society, it empowers almost all aspects of our lives.
...in Europe, we have an amazing opportunity to harness infinite sources of clean, renewable power
...we will use renewable power to meet Europe's surging electricity demands, drive economic growth and greatly reduce our dependency on fossil fuels...

SHIFT

...today's grid makes the vital connections that empower our way of life, but as we transform our power system, they will need to be transformed too
...renewables present two key challenges: the places that generate the most renewable power aren't near the places where we use the most electricity: and we can't control when the wind blows or how much the sun shines
...so how will we make renewable electricity reliable?

SOLUTION

...the 'SuperSmart Grid' will connect all of us to Europe's renewable energy future
...'Super' means the grid will reach far enough to connect enough renewable energy sources to create a reliable energy supply right through Europe
...'Smart' means the grid will enable us to generate and use more electricity intelligently
...the 'SuperSmart' Grid is essential to Europe's renewable future, so what is holding us back?

MAKING IT HAPPEN

...grid development must address legitimate concerns about the impact that it will have on communities, health and wildlife
...policy and technical ability must facilitate not hinder our renewable future, particularly when it comes to necessary grid development
...we must work together to ensure that the vital connections are in place to empower us today and into the future
...because connected = empowered