Aggreko: Supply Chain Primary Risk to UK's Energy Transition

The success of the UK’s energy transition will depend on the strength and resiliency of industry supply chains, according to Aggreko.
In its latest research report, 'Rebalancing the Energy Transition', the company reveals that UK CEOs identify the supply chain as the primary risk to achieving energy transition goals, followed by a lack of investment and limited access to technology.
The report goes on to advocate for greater business collaboration to shore up this risk and secure stronger industry access to funding and cutting-edge tech.
“High energy costs and fluctuating energy security and resilience has continued to be a challenge for businesses," says Alan Dunne, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Aggreko. "However, supply chain issues are clearly the biggest risk posed to energy transitions in the eyes of leaders.
"To overcome all of these challenges at once, it is imperative that businesses engage with expert partners across the supply chain to identify practical ways to reach ESG goals while keeping operations efficient and profitable.”
Concern over supply chain challenges comes as the UK Government reiterates its commitment to renewable energy production and infrastructure development through the launch of the Clean Power 2030 initiative.
The programme aims to overcome barriers and accelerate progress on energy projects, including a recent proposal to shift approval authority for onshore wind projects exceeding 100MW from local authorities to government ministers.
“With continued uncertainty around energy cost and resilience, businesses in the UK are facing the challenge of balancing profitability and sustainability," Alan continues.
"Much like the government and its Clean Energy 2030, UK businesses remain ambitious in making their energy transitions.
"However, our research has found that barriers and challenges still remain, even though the ambition to fund the energy transition is there."
The UK energy transition: Marked by ambition
The successful deployment of renewable energy production and transmission infrastructure, in addition to the energy transition of businesses across the UK, will require innovative approaches within the energy supply chain.
The attitude to make this innovation possible is there, with Aggreko's research highlighting strong ambition towards the energy transition from UK energy-intensive businesses.
Eight in 10 UK CEOs plan to increase investment in this area over the next 12 months.
While nine in 10 UK respondents acknowledged adjusting timelines for energy transition targets, the UK boasts the highest proportion of CEOs (52% among surveyed countries) who have only modified short-term goals and remain committed to achieving net zero targets.
With businesses aligning their sustainability ambitions with government targets, Aggreko emphasises the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to ensure the energy transition’s success.
The power of Energising Change
As the UK continues to expand renewable energy production and infrastructure, the report underscores the challenges of balancing commercial objectives with ESG goals in energy procurement.
A key aspect of this effort involves close collaboration within the energy supply chain to assess requirements and address challenges effectively, selecting practical solutions that deliver both efficiency and environmental benefits.
Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change, supports this approach by providing advanced, efficient technologies through its Greener Upgrades portfolio.
These include battery energy storage solutions and Stage V generators, which are designed to enhance sustainability while addressing the evolving needs of the energy transition.
“Making a success of the energy transition relies heavily on businesses having the right technologies and solutions for their requirements, along with the expertise to implement it correctly," Alan concludes.
"While reliable energy supply and stable costs remain in the balance for the UK, working with expert energy supply partners can provide businesses with this to provide resilience and cost efficiency throughout the energy transition.”
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