Circular Energy’s Post

Wales Streamlines Approval for #SolarFarms Below #50MW Wales is taking significant steps to speed up its #renewableenergy development by removing the need for ministerial approval for smaller solar farms under 50 megawatts. Instead, applications for these projects will be handled by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (#PEDW), which is expected to cut decision-making times by over three months. This policy shift was announced by Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, at the Future Energy Wales conference. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4ZYa79C #solar #solarfarm #renewableenergy #PEDW #Decarbonization #Sustainability #FutureEnergyWalesconference #Wales

Wales Streamlines Approval for #SolarFarms Below #50MW Wales is taking significant steps to speed up its #renewableenergy development by removing the need for ministerial approval for smaller solar farms under 50 megawatts. Instead, applications for these projects will be handled by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (#PEDW), which is expected to cut decision-making times by over three months. This policy shift was announced by Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, at the Future Energy Wales conference. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4ZYa79C #solar #solarfarm #renewableenergy #PEDW #Decarbonization #Sustainability #FutureEnergyWalesconference #Wales

#Queensland Government invests $3.6 million in initiative to recycle solar panels Over 20 projects are being built in the state, whilst another 170 are in the pipeline. The government of Queensland in Australia has announced nearly $3.6m (A$5.5m) funding for the pilot of a solar panel recycling pilot. In a statement, the Queensland government said around $1.6m (A$2.5m) is allocated to ensuring that residential solar panels will avoid landfill and are re-purposed for parts. Almost $2m ($3m), meanwhile, will be dedicated to delivering Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grants, allotted to the Smart Energy Council, the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) and the Clean Energy Council. https://lnkd.in/gR-aEibw #solarpanel #renewableenergy #australia

Weekly Industry News Update 📰 U.S. Bureau of Land Management advances over 6 GW of solar projects. Our Vice President of North America Muhammad Shahab shares his insights: "The U.S. Bureau of Land Management's advancement of over 6 GW of solar projects is a significant win for Americans. These projects will generate clean energy for approximately 2 million homes, helping to reduce electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the development of these projects will create jobs, boost local economies, and support the nation's transition towards a more sustainable energy future. The focus on renewable energy aligns with national goals to achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, benefiting both the environment and public health." How do you think 6 GW of new solar projects will influence electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.? #CleanEnergy #WeeklyIndustryNews #SolarEnergy

This is evidence that partnerships and collaboration deliver more value — unlocking scalable, sustainable energy solutions for the future. Well done Shabahat Hasnain for this work getting published in Scientific Reports! 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects are rapidly redefining the landscape of sustainable energy, offering economic and environmental breakthroughs critical to addressing global energy challenges. In regions with high solar irradiance, PV technology can deliver competitive energy costs, significant CO₂ reductions, and long-term economic value, setting new benchmarks for renewable infrastructure worldwide. Key Contributions of Large-Scale Solar PV: 1️⃣ Economic Competitiveness: With energy generation costs as low as $0.0141 per kWh, PV installations are demonstrating that renewable energy can rival — and often outperform — traditional fossil fuel-based generation in cost-effectiveness. 2️⃣ Climate Impact: A typical +8 MW solar PV project can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 75,000 tons throughout its operational lifespan, equating to the carbon-capturing power of hundreds of thousands of trees. This carbon reduction scale substantially contributes to national and international climate action goals. 3️⃣ Long-Term Financial Viability: Large solar installations typically reach a financial breakeven point within 10 to 12 years, after which they generate surplus revenue and sustained environmental benefits. This model showcases the fiscal resilience of renewable energy infrastructure in both developed and developing economies. As solar PV technology advances, these projects become increasingly viable and impactful, underscoring the importance of strategic investment in renewable energy. And we also see this happening in the UK! #SustainableEnergy #RenewableEconomics #SolarPV #ClimateSolutions #EnergyInnovation #Decarbonization #GreenEconomy #EnergyTransition

The recent industry buzz about increasing Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) thresholds and empowering local authorities in the UK in approval processes signals a shift in how renewable energy projects may progress. What could this mean for solar energy stakeholders? Benefits of increasing NSIP thresholds and localizing approvals: 1. Streamlined processes: Reduced bureaucratic delays, ensuring quicker project implementation. 2. Enhanced local engagement: Decisions reflect community needs and preferences, fostering better alignment with local goals. 3. Cost efficiency: Developers avoid prolonged approval cycles, cutting project expenses. 4. Promotes growth: Facilitates smaller, community-focused renewable projects. 5. Boosts renewables adoption: Simplified approvals can encourage more widespread solar energy deployment. As the renewable energy landscape evolves, innovation in solar panel maintenance becomes crucial. At AirDefender UK, our Self-Cleaning Solar Panel Surface Solution leverages nature—using rain and wind to keep panels clean, boosting efficiency while reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact. Learn more or contact us: (44)7476 248775 | sales@airdefender.co.uk #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #GreenTechnology #ClimateTech #Sustainability #SolarPanels #CleanEnergy

See the link below to listen to Consulting Partner and Head of Energy and Assets at EY Ireland, Sean Casey, discuss how Ireland is unlocking the challenges towards a low carbon future. Read the full comments on the latest EY Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index below👇 https://lnkd.in/e6K3_BTu

Big strides are being made in Georgia's clean energy landscape! 🌞 Linea Energy has secured substantial project debt financing for the Pineview Solar initiative, a 109MWdc solar facility in Wilcox County. This funding not only boosts local job creation but also supports sustainable power for thousands of homes. With backing from major banks like First Citizens Bank and NORD/LB, this project exemplifies a strong commitment to renewable energy and economic growth. Together, we’re paving the way for a greener future! #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #GeorgiaRenewables https://lnkd.in/eEPKRJMw #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

🌞 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑶𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒆🌍 The Western Cape is at the forefront of South Africa’s clean energy revolution! 🚀 With growing demand for solar energy and energy storage solutions, the region is seeing a transformative shift. Backed by strong government initiatives to reduce grid dependency and achieve ambitious sustainability goals, the Western Cape has become a hotspot for solar innovation and investment. This surge is opening doors for: ✅ New technology deployments ✅ Strategic partnerships ✅ Contributions to a thriving green economy For solar companies and investors, there’s never been a better time to tap into this dynamic market. 🌱 Are you staying updated on the latest solar trends and opportunities in the region? Let’s drive the future of renewable energy together! 💡 #SolarEnergy #WesternCape #GreenEconomy #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #EnergyInnovation

Solar energy is key to the UK reaching net zero, and the government aims to boost solar capacity nearly fivefold by 2035 to 70 gigawatts (GW), which is part of wider plans to “power up Britain with cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy sources”. Leading this shift is Longfield Solar Farm, set to be the UK’s largest and one of Europe's biggest solar farms. Located in Chelmsford, Essex, and spanning 459 hectares, it will generate up to 500MW of renewable energy, enough to power 96,000 homes. Over its 40-year lifespan, Longfield will produce 13 million MWh of clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4 million tonnes compared to traditional gas-fired power stations. AECOM played a crucial role in this project by delivering the environmental impact assessment (EIA), technical environmental assessments, and planning support, leading to the successful granting of the development consent order (DCO) in June 2023.  Discover more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/eCb3beuz #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #NetZero #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalImpact