Renewable Energy Hubs are designed to bring clean power generation, long-duration energy storage, improved grid infrastructure and high-use local demand together, rather than each part of the energy system operating in isolation.This joined-up ecosystem approach can help local authorities support clean growth, whilst also reinforcing energy security, grid resilience and delivering community benefit in a more coordinated and collaborative way.
Renewable Energy Hubs support the UK’s Clean Power 2030 mission by combining more renewable energy generation with long-duration storage and more efficient use of grid infrastructure.By increasing homegrown clean energy generation and storing surplus renewable power for when it is needed, hubs can also help keep the cost of electricity down by reducing the UK’s exposure to international gas prices and strengthening local energy and grid resilience.
Where appropriately located and operated, Renewable Energy Hubs can help reduce pressure on the wider electricity network by locating energy-intensive users (such as large-scale manufacturing and datacentres) close to where the power is generated, storing surplus electricity for periods of higher demand and supporting system flexibility.Shared infrastructure amongst the various elements of Renewable Energy Hubs helps to avoid multiple separate grid connections, cabling routes and construction works, supporting a more efficient approach to land use and local energy planning and ultimately keeping electricity costs down.
Hubs enable us to work closely with local authorities to align clean energy infrastructure with local growth, investment and job-creation priorities, including employment sites, advanced manufacturing, logistics and transport infrastructure, data centres and other energy-intensive uses. This helps to de-risk major local investments by reducing costs and increasing economic resilience.By connecting strategic demand with clean energy generation and storage, Renewable Energy Hubs can facilitate future growth by ensuring that it is supported by reliable, low-carbon power availability.
Renewable Energy Hubs are well placed to support local communities through investment in skilled job creation, EV and HGV charging, minimal cost heat provision for homes and public buildings, and work for a wide variety of local supply chains and contractors.For local authorities, Hubs provide a practical and attractive model for linking clean energy infrastructure with housing growth, economic development, transport decarbonisation, energy resilience and net zero delivery.Where appropriate, Hubs can also help support local food security by using renewable electricity and heat to enable applications such as heated greenhouses, hydroponics and vertical farming.
