Before a development project, there are a myriad of decisions and factors to consider.
From the location to the surrounding facilities, and even the planning restrictions, no project is ever as simple as it might seem.
While tools like our land information platform can help developers quickly identify opportunities, thanks to a clean, easy-to-understand user interface, they alone aren’t enough to paint the whole picture.
One particularly influential yet often overlooked aspect of land planning is local infrastructure. Specifically, energy infrastructure.
To shed some light on just how much energy can alter proceedings, in this post, we’ll cover why it’s so important to take it into account while planning your subsequent development or regeneration project.
What is Energy Infrastructure?
The term ‘energy infrastructure’ refers to the mechanisms, assets, and processes that are used throughout the UK to generate and deliver energy. This includes sources such as gas, electricity, and oil, and directly impacts both residential and commercial inhabitants.
Components of the UK’s energy infrastructure include:
- Pylons
- Electricity grids
- Wind turbines
- Solar panels
- Storage facilities
Why is Energy Infrastructure Important?
The provision of electricity and energy is more than just a means of supplying power nationwide. With so many tools and processes relying on modern sources of energy, energy is a crucial component not just of property development but of modern human life.
Energy infrastructure is essential because it:
Maintains Public Services
Without petrol or diesel, ambulances would not be able to arrive at emergencies. Likewise, without electricity, the computers and phone lines connecting operators to those in need would fail to run.
Helps Businesses Grow
Energy has come a long way since the days of old. With renewable energy sources, modern power delivery systems, and the invention of new complex technologies, businesses don’t just need energy to operate – they need it to thrive.
Supports Daily Life
Humanity is now more dependent on technology and, therefore, energy, than it has ever been before. The majority of homes in the UK and around the world use electricity, water, and fuel for heating and entertainment, making them essential to modern lifestyles.
Promotes Sustainability
As years have passed, new advancements have paved the way for newer forms of energy to be delivered throughout the UK. Whether it’s from wind turbines or solar panels, new energy infrastructure is less focused on fossil fuels and more prioritised towards renewable sources.
Improves Employment
Maintaining energy infrastructure is no easy feat. When systems fail or go down, skilled workers must immediately spring into action to issue fixes and minimise downtime. This demand has created a vast amount of highly technical positions within the energy sector, requiring knowledge in disciplines such as engineering and construction.
How Can Energy Affect Development And Regeneration Projects?
Having covered why adequate energy infrastructure is so critical, we’ll now consider its various impacts on property development and regeneration efforts.
The Economy
With energy playing such a pivotal role in today’s society, the necessity for adequate, high-quality infrastructure can be a significant benefit for businesses and residents alike.
Whether it’s in new developments or redevelopment projects, having reliable infrastructure can significantly increase the value of a plot of land. This applies to both urban and rural cases, with each benefiting greatly from reliable energy sources.
Modernisation
Although the passage of time has brought many upgrades and enhancements across the UK, particularly in the internet and electricity, the provision of suitable energy infrastructure has a significant impact on how society progresses towards the next technological frontier – whatever that may be.
Towns and cities with well-orchestrated infrastructures are usually the first in line to receive prioritisation from Governments and new business entities hoping to enrol new services in a given area.
With electric cars, for example, many locations across the UK are now receiving public charging stations. These stations require a suitable energy delivery network to operate, as any downtime could be crucial to a commuter’s journey.
Meeting Energy Targets
While the UK continues to pursue net-zero targets, home builders and developers are feeling pressure to ensure their projects align with government goals.
Energy infrastructure plays a pivotal role in this, as many components of renewable energy depend on the quality and resilience of energy systems to work as intended. Developers must consider these while undertaking a project in order to conform to new government demands, particularly through initiatives such as the Future Homes Standard.
Looking Ahead
As has been demonstrated throughout the 2020s, external pressures can have a crippling effect on energy provisions.
The 2022 energy crisis has highlighted the need for robust energy networks to reduce a nation’s reliance on offshore energy sources. Whether it’s through increased energy generation or through advances in storage technologies, the need for greater independence leaves less room for disruptions to energy pricing and, therefore, more stable costs for residents and businesses.
Consider Energy Resources in Your Planning Efforts
At Landstack, our goal is to make it easy for developers to find suitable land for development or regeneration. Our land information platform considers a variety of factors when highlighting potential areas, including the current state of energy infrastructure.
When using Landstack, you’ll receive a clear view of what systems are in place, how much energy is available, and what renewable sources of energy are closest to your desired land.
Book a demo of our platform today and see for yourself how Landstack can enhance your development plans.