OPINION
DE-CARBONISATION – ARE ‘ENERGY ISLANDS’ A MAJOR PART OF THE ANSWER? Chris Goggin of Rinnai looks at the advent of energy islands which look set to be a major part of the drive to de-carbonisation in both the international arena and the U.K.
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ecarbonisation of the industrialised world’s fuel supply is acknowledged as being the over-riding priority in tackling climate change. Industry and governments across the globe are currently working on advanced plans to alter the composition of fuel to ensure a carbon free future. This requires a diversification of fuel production and distribution which does not impinge on fuel supplies that allow the global economy to operate and grow. On mainland Europe in countries such as Germany, France, and Italy there has been a surge in demand and production
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ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • MAY 2021
of renewables. Denmark has heavily invested, both financially and ethically, in the idea of purpose built ‘energy islands’, floating in either international seas or the territorial waters of sovereign countries. An energy island is easily explained. It is a manufactured “island” designed with the purpose of generating and distributing power through renewable recourses situated and gathered out at sea. The concept of a floating island or, “Ile Flottante” was first recorded and introduced by Commander Philippe Tailliez of the French Navy in the early 1950s. Early designs were set in
