Green Issues 06

Martin Dronfield, chair of EEEGR. Danielle Lane, from Vattenhall, the company behind Norfolk Boreas.

The scheme has proved controversial because of disruption to the environment, heritage and tourism. The Planning Inspectorate had recommended that it should not go ahead, citing the negative impact on marine life, birds, and internationally designated ecological sites, as well as the local community.

In response, Vattenfall announced a £15 million investment in community projects – the largest funding input by an offshore wind developer in the county. Dr Catrin Ellis Jones, from Vattenfall, said: “People in Norfolk recognise that society needs to make changes to prevent climate change accelerating dangerously. This includes action at community and individual levels. As good neighbours in Norfolk, we want to support communities to make that change happen in their community and connect to what they love about Norfolk.”

The first round of funds from the Norfolk Zone Community Benefit Fund will be announced when cable laying begins.

The centre of Norfolk Boreas is about 94km north east of Great Yarmouth

NORFOLK BOREAS

group.vattenfall.com/uk/ what-we-do/our-projects/ vattenfallinnorfolk/norfolkboreas

It will bring investment to our region as the supply chain clusters around the projects’ delivery hubs and our ports are developed, and it will leave a lasting legacy in our regions for years to come.

PRACTICAL FIRST STEPS FOR SMES TAKING THE GREEN ROUTE

With the noise around COP26 showing no signs of diminishing over the last couple of months, the need for action is as prevalent as ever.

As large companies make huge commitments towards net zero and carbon reduction goals, clean energy specialists Opergy look at ways SMEs can take realistic steps to prepare themselves for a sustainable energy and cleaner technology future that can make a tangible impact. Managing Director Johnathan Reynolds comments.

It’s no secret that the climate crisis has hit a critical point, and the recent COP26 summit brought the need for accelerated action to the global stage. But what is the reality of that for SMEs? For large businesses with greater resources the path can seem clear, but for smaller businesses where time, money and people are further and fewer between it can feel like a mammoth task.

At Opergy, we are well-versed at helping businesses to actualise their clean energy futures, introducing them to practical and accessible steps they can take to address their carbon footprint, and understand where they should focus in the immediate to longer term.