One of the worst Grid regions for GHG emissions, the South Wales Grid region has become one of the fourth-lowest GHG emissions in the UK.
Several factors have been cited as major contributors to this change:-
- The region saw a significant increase in the use of renewable energy sources. In particular, a major source of electricity is onshore wind power. In 2022, 40% of the region’s electricity generation will be accounted for by onshore wind power, up from just 10% in 2010.
- The region also made progress in improving the energy efficiency of its homes and businesses. It helped reduce the electricity demand, resulting in lower emissions. As an example, the Welsh Government provided grants to help homeowners improve the insulation in their homes. It also helped reduce the amount of energy needed to heat homes, leading to a significant decrease in emissions.
- A significant investment in carbon capture and storage technology is also made. CCS is a process to capture carbon dioxide from power plants and other industrial facilities and then store it underground. It also helps prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. In 2021, the first CCS plant in South Wales was brought online. The plant is also expected to capture and store over 1 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
A significant decrease in GHG emissions was contributed by these major factors in the South Wales Grid region. It led to a positive development and shows a remarkable commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The region also needs to continue to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and CCS technology. It continued to reduce its emissions, which helped protect the environment.
The major factors contributing to the decline in GHG emissions in the South Wales Grid region are:
- The closure of coal-fired power stations
- The growth of the electric vehicle market
- The introduction of carbon pricing
- The increasing awareness of climate change among businesses and consumers
The factors that helped in creating a more favourable environment for reducing GHG emissions in the South Wales Grid region The region is also well positioned to continue its progress in the coming years.
They can also be seen as an ideal who came across such a long path and fulfilled their role to show their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Intelligent investment and using the right resources show that anything is possible in an unexpected way.