By Shell Energy

It is predicted that by 2050, the world’s total energy demand is likely to double. Business energy needs will increasingly be delivered by a wider portfolio of more sustainable alternatives. This will need to be achieved in tandem with a net-zero approach, as organisations seek to further reduce the impact of energy costs on their bottom line.

Buying better is no longer enough. Companies need to focus on managing better and using less. Reducing kWh is not only the best strategy but the most effective long-term solution to reduce cost and carbon.

While insight from a recent Shell Energy survey of major UK energy users found that 99% were aware of the government’s carbon target and 90% have a comprehensive plan in place to transition to net-zero, there is still more work to be done. Further decarbonising the UK requires effort and collaboration across smart technologies and infrastructure, at an accelerating pace and level of investment.

This is reflected by the government’s Energy Security Strategy (April 2022), aiming to secure UK energy supply amongst ambitious plans to embrace decarbonisation in the long-term and manage shorter-term volatility across global markets. The goal is to increase the UK’s low carbon electricity production by 95% by 2030.

Companies nationwide are looking toward new initiatives to help them decarbonise operations, improve efficiencies, reduce overheads and save costs. Findings from our recent survey confirm this viewpoint, identifying that 90% have a plan to become net-zero, while 93% have already invested in net-zero measures.

Shell Group is also aiming to decarbonise its own operations. In October 2021, we announced a target to halve our absolute emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2016 levels on a net basis. By building out our power business and continuing to innovate, we can help our customers achieve their long-term decarbonisation goals.

This is echoed by businesses such as leading corrugated packaging manufacturer, Cepac, which enlisted our support to replace its traditional energy contract with the annual supply of 14GWh renewable electricity to the UK production facilities.

Businesses relying on the carbon-based status quo will see their competitive advantage diminish over the next decade. Those that take a long-term view of their energy use and see energy efficiency and decarbonisation as strategic opportunities, will not only survive, but thrive.

Find out more about Shell Energy here: www.shellenergy.co.uk/business.