Critical Power Supplies (CPS) Sheds Light on a Major Concern – Eye-Opening Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Preparedness as Demand for Sustainable Power Solutions Surges
More than half of organisations are unprepared for future energy shortages or disruptions despite more than two-thirds agreeing that demand for back-up power generation is set to rise, according to new data from prominent UK power solutions provider Critical Power Supplies (CPS).
CPS canvassed the views of business leaders, facilities managers, technology managers and energy managers in October to understand how prepared UK businesses are for Net Zero 2050 targets, their readiness to handle potential energy supply disruptions, and the challenges they face in the transition to renewable energy sources.
More than two out of three respondents (68%) said demand for back-up power solutions will increase, as businesses strive to meet sustainability targets. Moreover, nearly half (48%) agreed that a comprehensive energy resiliency plan, including back-up power capability, is “very important”.
However, 57 per cent said they were unprepared to handle future energy shortages and disruptions.
Despite the switch to renewable energy being key factors in energy resiliency, only 13 per cent said they currently have a Net Zero transition plan in place, a factor that will undoubtedly impact their ability to respond to future threats of energy disruption.
According to CPS’s survey, the biggest barrier to transitioning to renewable energy sources for back-up power is cost. The most cited challenge was “initial investment costs” (78%), while one-third (33%) expect no cost savings and 28 per cent foresee only minimal cost savings. A significant issue appears to be lack of knowledge about government support, with 61 per cent unaware of the relevant incentives and grants.
The survey also offered respondents the chance to provide comments on the biggest challenges they and their businesses are facing when it comes to Net Zero.
Jill Griffiths of Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust commented: “In theory Net Zero goals are achievable, but when you apply this model to an aged NHS pre-Victorian estate, the additional costs for modifying and upgrading buildings make the projects economically unviable. To make Net Zero achievable in the NHS, greater support from the government or local partnership working will have to be implemented to share the costs and the long-term benefits. Perhaps some of the measurables should be completed at a regional level rather than at an individual business level.”
Steve Groom, CEO of Vissensa, a provider of IT and cloud services, said: “Net Zero for the UK must not economically impact the UK’s ability to remain competitive while many countries are still not committed. Most local business are unaware that as energy consumption (electricity) through EV charging, heat pumps / ground pumps, and the phase out of gas cooking grows, the National Grid infrastructure will not be able to keep up with demand.”
Commenting on these findings, Jason Koffler, CEO of CPS, said: “As the findings from our research have confirmed, most businesses are acutely aware of the crucial dual challenge in responding to climate change: the need to reduce their impact on the environment and meet net zero commitments while building resiliency against the effects of climate change itself. This means switching to renewable energy sources. The good news is that by understanding and leveraging the alternative energy sources available and by preparing backup solutions, UK businesses can ensure that their operations remain uninterrupted while playing a pivotal role in this green revolution. However, as our data shows, a knowledge gap on the solutions is creating a significant obstacle.”
To see the full findings from the survey, download CPS’s full ‘Net Zero 2050:’ report.
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