Two key considerations in the increasingly complex world of‘green power’ are self-sufficiency and consumption of renewable energy – get that right and the benefits in terms of sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint will automatically follow.
Emerge Renewable Solutions Ltd was founded in 2023 by Charlotte Ward and Marc Haley to help clients through the options and provide on-site renewable energy and power infrastructure solutions, while at the same time pointing out the pitfalls that can easily be avoided by taking the correct advice.
Aiming to give a holistic view, Emerge begins by carrying out a deep dive into client’s site specifics – surveys, usage, site operation and existing infrastructure, before putting together a breakdown of the costs and, when appropriate, drawing up a schedule of work and carrying out the installation.
Charlotte and Marc both have spent significant parts of their careers within the transport sector, mainly supporting clients with remanufactured parts and sustainable service solutions. Building on this foundation in circular economy practices, they guided businesses through the transition to electric vehicles by providing the charging infrastructure required. Their shared commitment and combining this experience, brought them together to establish Emerge.
“We could see there was a need because it is complicated and clients appreciate as much information as they can get,” said Charlotte. “There are so many options, and so many challenges in terms of the need for power and the cost of energy, that it is important for a business to truly understand their own needs.
“Sustainability should be focused on how you can be more power resilient and make sure you can meet your own needs now and for the future. Any positive changes you put in place will naturally lead you to being more sustainable.”
Emerge is happy to work with clients at whatever level of input is needed. Some companies have a dedicated sustainability manager who simply needs some guidance, costings or installation, others might have added responsibility for sustainability onto another, already busy, role where greater input is needed.
Where projects are already in place, Emerge can become involved in one element, such as solar panel projects or EV charging infrastructure. In other instances, the team will manage the whole project from first contact through to ongoing support during and after completion.
The team can look at potential grants available and provide finance options where the cost of the project is not being met by capital expenditure. The full service also includes carrying out Distribution Network Operator (DNO) applications on behalf of clients.
Every business consumes energy to some degree and power outages, or the threat of rising costs, can be devastating. Energy resilience is key and, in a world where tenders and supply chains demand visibility, a business needs to have data readily available. Emerge provides real-time information to clients on generation and consumption, particularly valuable where a client has multiple sites, so that they can always demonstrate their position in terms of their carbon footprint and where their energy is coming from.
Charlotte added: “Firstly, it’s important to look at energy usage and assess the best way to meet as much of a client’s needs as possible, optimising the best solution, either in terms use of solar PV, battery storage, voltage optimisation, with the consideration of what would be exported to the grid.
“Export and DNO agreements have to be in place, and that can be complicated, there may be some limits on how much of what you generate can be exported.
“We might have a client with a large, suitable roof that wants to cover it with solar panels, but that’s not always the best solution. Covering that roof might generate double what that client needs and you’re always going to be paid less for energy you export to the grid rather than using it yourself. So, finding the sweet spot between using and storing energy on site and having the minimum amount exported is vital.”
Once a project is completed, Emerge believes in partnering with clients for the longer term for both maintenance and continued advice and monitoring. Technology moves at a pace, particularly in the ‘green’ market, and Emerge is committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, keeping the solutions aligned with the very best in innovation and efficiency.
“All we can say to businesses is that there are solutions that are available to them today that will fill their needs and start to futureproof their business,” said Charlotte. “They need to understand the rationale of how to make the most of renewables for their site and doing something that makes operational and commercial sense for their business.
“Our key mission is to be a partner to our clients throughout, providing them with the best solution and being there so they can ask questions and understand what is best for them and why. And we’re not a company that believes in ‘fit and forget.’ We’ll be there for them going forward to make sure they’re getting the best solutions, and they can demonstrate how what they are doing impacts their carbon footprint and sustainability credentials.”
To find out more, visit their website.
