Our MD, Damian, reflects on 2022
By Damian Baker, MD RenEnergy
We’ve come to the end of another year, and this is typically the time when we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced and overcome, both professionally and personally. The world began its first post-Covid year with a sense of uncertainty, with a reset in the ways we live, work, and conduct business.
While this may mean different things to different people, one key takeaway for me is how resilient we are in the face of adversity – especially as the world continues to struggle with a growing global energy crisis. We have completed some amazing projects with great clients and continued to build our relationships with our supply chain.
Demand vs supply
The increasing global demand for diminishing resources has thrown the world into an extraordinary period of limited energy supply. The UK is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, with wholesale natural gas prices on European markets at an all-time high. The UK’s reliance on gas accounts for 42% of the country’s energy demand, with 29% required for electricity production. Rolling blackouts are unlikely, but given Europe’s gas supply constraints, power outages are not entirely out of the question.
Our South African colleagues have seen the most intensive loadshedding (black-outs) year with an estimated 133 days of power cuts this year to date, an increase of 200% more than any other year. Even more intense power outages are predicted for 2023 due to many of the national power provider’s power stations going offline for planned and unplanned maintenance.
Energy security
At RenEnergy we supply high-quality solar PV, solar carports and battery storage solutions to the commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. Our client journey begins with an in-depth consultation and detailed assessment to truly understand their needs and meet their energy requirements. Our team of in-house designers and installers collaborate with our clients to provide bespoke grid-tied or off-grid solar PV solutions.
RenEnergy’s international reach extends to Africa, where we share our skills and knowledge – from our expertise in solar carports and electric vehicle charging to their expertise in battery storage solutions – to ensure that we remain at the forefront of developing and innovative solar PV technology. RenEnergy is passionate about helping businesses embrace clean energy by facilitating the effortless transition to cleaner and affordable solar energy.
Looking ahead
There is a growing global recognition that the energy crisis must be treated as such. On the upside, it has accelerated the growth of renewable energy as a dependable alternative to ensuring energy security. With an increasing number of businesses and households making the sustainable switch, solar photovoltaic (PV) power is leading the way in renewable energy solutions. The global solar PV market is expected to grow steadily, creating employment and opportunities across the entire value chain, from technology innovation, engineering and component manufacturing to installation.
Even as we face increased global energy challenges, we find ways to thrive rather than just survive. Thank you to our clients for embracing the PV revolution and partnering with us to electrify change in their businesses. And thank you to our valued technology partners for meaningful collaboration for yet another year.
From the RenEnergy family, we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season, and a blessed Christmas to those that celebrate it. We can look forward to a successful new year. May 2023 bring you happiness in abundance!