In 2018, solar and wind energy production rose to a record high. According to UK-based climate science and energy policy experts Carbon Brief , renewable energy accounted for 33% of all UK energy production in 2018, with wind making up 17%, solar producing 4%, and biomass with the remaining 11%.
Interestingly, while renewable energy is on the rise, analysts have calculated that the electricity used per person has decreased by almost 25% since its peak in 2005, falling to its lowest level since the mid-1990s. This decrease can be attributed largely to individuals making a conscious decision to use their energy more efficiently and economically, and large corporations striving to use more renewable energy to meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations. It’s heartening to see a positive impact from these changes in behavior.
Unsurprisingly, we’re now also seeing an increase in the creation of more large-scale photovoltaic (PV) farms, as big players such as Google and Apple compete for the ‘renewable energy crown’. Facebook and Amazon have committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2020. As such, development is now focused on much larger PV schemes to help companies meet their sustainability targets.
The Winds of Change
The Wireless Innovation (now trading as Ground Control) team have supplied satellite and cellular communications to the TSAT, or SCADASat. Wireless Innovation (now trading as Ground Control) is TSAT’s exclusive partner in the UK, so this ‘bullet-proof’ communication channel is available only to our clients.
Any Way the Wind Blows
When measuring the commercial viability of wind plants, clients usually require a minimum of 12 months of measurements for a serious large-scale project, with continuous measurements throughout that period. This gives our clients a good representation of the wind speed and directions over the entire year, as it varies greatly from season to season. Further monitoring is needed when a site passes the energy yield assessment and once the Wind Turbines have been installed. Once the plant has been constructed, key components still need to be measured around the clock in order to ensure that a wind farm is operating at maximum efficiency.
The Future of Renewables Data
Climate change concerns and global pressure to reduce CO2 emissions continue to drive an enormous shift towards renewable energy production. We’re seeing a huge increase in the number of companies seeking more innovative, secure, and cost-effective solutions to overcome the challenges of wireless backhaul for renewable source monitoring. It’s an exciting time to be working in renewables data.
Projects are varied from creating solutions for wind power ramp events, energy storage, integrating distributed data systems and assessment data in remote locations to providing a satellite failover for continuity in the event of natural disasters. Our work is not only having a positive impact in our clients’ businesses, it’s also contributing to global efforts to protect the environment.
Can We Help You?
When it comes to retrieving precise data from distant renewable sites, Ground Control is the solution. With our reliable connectivity, available around the clock and accessible from anywhere, you can achieve seamless data monitoring without any interruptions. We also offer hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity solutions to cater to your specific needs.
No matter what communication or connectivity requirements you have, we are here to assist you. Contact us today to get started.