Opportunity to innovate

Debate on the suitability for wind energy for the UK dominated opinion leader discussion in June according to the latest In Sight Energy & Utilities analysis from Alva, the corporate reputation analysis company.

Negative coverage on the National Grid paying wind farm owners for idling their turbines during heavy winds called into question the technology’s suitability to meet the UK’s energy requirements, but there were also positive predictions for the future growth of wind power, resulting in the subject monopolising the energy debate with more than 20 per cent of all issues coverage. Discussions on Belarus switching off the flow of Russian gas to Europe came second, grabbing more than 14 per cent of discussion, while new coalition Government policy and thinking for nuclear power took third place with over nine per cent of all issues debate.

“Renewable and nuclear energy gained considerable coverage as the new coalition government ruled out government subsidies for the new nuclear build,” explained Alberto Lopez-Valenzuela, CEO of Alva. “Gas supply issues due to disputes between Russia and Belarus had such an impact because they accentuate the UK’s dependence on imported energy supplies and its inherent risk to the country.

Read the full article on Modern Utility Management.