Before a development project, there are many 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 affects both residential and commercial users.
Components of the UK’s energy infrastructure include:
- Pylons
- Electricity grids
- Wind turbines
- Solar panels
- Storage facilities
Why is Energy Infrastructure Important?
Providing electricity and energy is more than just supplying power nationwide. With so many tools and processes relying on modern energy sources, 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 that connect operators to those in need would fail.
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
Over the years, technological advancements have enabled new forms of energy to be delivered across the UK. Whether it’s wind turbines or solar panels, new energy infrastructure is increasingly focused on renewable sources rather than fossil fuels.
Improves Employment
Maintaining energy infrastructure is no easy feat. When systems fail or go down, skilled workers must immediately respond to implement fixes and minimise downtime. This demand has created numerous highly technical positions in the energy sector, requiring expertise in disciplines such as engineering and construction.
How Can Energy Affect Development And Regeneration Projects?
Having covered why adequate energy infrastructure is critical, we’ll now consider its impacts on property development and regeneration.
The Economy
With energy playing a pivotal role in today’s society, the need for adequate, high-quality infrastructure can significantly benefit 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 infrastructure are usually the first in line to receive prioritisation from Governments and new business entities seeking to introduce 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 is pivotal, as many renewable energy components depend on the quality and resilience of energy systems to operate as intended.
Developers must consider these when undertaking a project to comply with new government requirements, 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 to see how Landstack can enhance your development plans.