Energy sector report: On a power drive

Soaring energy prices are giving Lancashire businesses added impetus on their journeys to a net zero future.

Faced with eye-watering hikes in energy costs in some cases, it is little wonder companies are taking stock and seriously examining where they can make savings.

Professor Karl Williams is professor of resources, energy and environment at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). He says there is a growing sense of urgency from companies to get things done.

He says: “Businesses are accelerating their route to look at how they can be more self-reliant on their own energy and to start to electrify their vehicle fleet. The main driver now is the cost of energy.” Karl is involved in overseeing the MaCaW Project, which was set up to help county-based SMEs move to a low carbon model.

The university is also part of the Eco-I North West project, which aims to support SMEs as they undertake low-carbon business innovations.

MaCaW is free to Lancashire businesses and exists to help them to reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy costs and provide grant funding to purchase low carbon technology.