The UK needs to make more strategic and purposeful moves towards a more sustainable future for a variety of reasons. First, there is the legally binding 2050 net zero agreement, which is closely grouped with complying with the Paris Agreement. Following up these legal requirements is helping to put an end to climate change and the devastating damage that could ensue if we carry on as we are. Indeed, the UK should be looking to set an example for other countries, encouraging them to be more sustainable, by being serious contenders in the net zero race.

It is important to note that sustainable strategies and renewable technologies have already been implemented over the past decades. According to the Committee for Climate Change (CCC), the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 40% in the last 30 years. However, more needs to be done. In order to reach net zero, carbon emissions must fall by a further 100% over the next three decades. This seems like an optimistic target, but with the right technologies, innovative thinking and a sense of urgency amongst business owners, organisations and politicians alike, it can still become a reality.

Where should we look?  
According to a study by Green Match, 80% of the UK population supports transitioning to renewable energy. Solar energy comes top of the options, with 85% of those questioned citing it as their preferred renewable energy source.

The CCC claims that although half of the UK’s electricity generation in 2019 was from renewable sources, this needs to quadruple to achieve the 2050 goal. However, we cannot purely rely on solar power to take this on. The government and UK businesses must invest in other technologies which can be easily implemented, even on a smaller scale. Incremental gains can make a real difference.

One such area of focus must be wind energy, and more specifically ‘small wind’. It is the perfect example of making incremental changes. On its own, small wind turbines won’t eradicate the need for other energy sources. However, if adopted widely, small wind turbines could play a meaningful role in getting the UK to that very ambitious 2050 target.

What is small wind?  
One of the main barriers to the adoption of building integrated wind power in the past has been the challenge of high wind shear and turbulent environments. Such projects are typically in built-up areas where high turbulence levels and veering or swirling winds could cause fatigue damage to the turbines.

The problems of reliability, noise and vibrations have also deterred significant take-up. Many turbines have been too large to realistically implement onsite, often exceeding allowable operating noise levels and inducing unwanted structural vibrations. Another deterring factor for large turbines is the difficulty of carrying out maintenance on large structures in built-up, often congested areas.

Small wind turbines offer a solution to these issues.

If adopted widely, small wind turbines could play a meaningful role in getting the UK to that very ambitious 2050 [net zero] target.

Crossflow’s scalable transverse axis wind turbine is easy to install, efficient and reliable. Its hybrid lift and drag design combined with its unique asymmetrical S-shaped wind shield enables the turbine to be more efficient than slow rotating vertical axis wind turbines. The lightweight blades and optimised aerodynamics harvest maximum wind energy and ensure that the turbine is self-starting even at low wind speeds.

The low rotational speed of the turbine means that vibrations are incredibly low and very little noise is produced, making them ideal for urban applications. The design requires minimal maintenance, which is ideal for hard-to-reach rural sites or high-rise buildings.

It is also safe for avian and chiropteran wildlife. Swansea University recently performed a study looking at the impact the Crossflow turbine had on radar, birds and bats. The results showed that because of the slow rotational speed and ‘solid’ profile, the turbine is filtered out as a solid object by both radar and avian life and was, therefore, avoided. It is therefore perfectly safe for wildlife.

This small wind turbine can be supplied as a standalone solution or be integrated alongside solar and battery technologies as a cost-effective alternative to diesel generation.

These turbines are versatile enough to be installed in both urban and ecologically sensitive sites. Furthermore, the advanced design characteristics mean they have fewer problems overcoming traditional planning constraints associated with wind projects. At a time when incremental gains are vital, small wind has the potential to become as mainstream as solar panels.

Small wind can provide power for remote locations that would otherwise need to rely on a diesel generator, like this Vodafone mast
Photo: Crossflow Energy

In practice 
One of the best ways to showcase the power of small wind, and highlight the types of applications it can have, is via an active project.

The Crossflow turbine was first deployed in the telecoms sector by Vodafone and Cornerstone, where the turbine technology was combined successfully with solar panels and battery storage to create self-powering mobile network towers.

As well as generating clean energy, the self-powering masts remove the need for a diesel generator or a connection to the electricity grid. This means the small wind turbines can be located in rural locations, providing connectivity for the UK’s so called ‘not-spots’. This boosts energy asset connectivity in even the most remote and isolated areas.

In June 2022, Vodafone switched on the first self-powered mast in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, helping propel the telecoms firm on its journey to achieve net zero for its UK operations by 2027.

Wind power is becoming as mainstream for generating clean energy as solar. Those businesses that realise the benefits of wind now will reap the rewards.

As Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer and Development Director at Vodafone, explains: ‘Connectivity is vital to everyone, no matter where you live. Crossflow Energy’s turbine has enabled our self-powering mobile phone mast, with on-site battery storage, to help us connect to places that were previously impossible to reach.’

A versatile approach 
Small wind also offers versatility. The turbines can be embedded into both new and existing structures – commercial developments, public buildings, as part of road and rail infrastructure, as well as in challenging environments such as remote and ecologically sensitive locations.

However, it doesn’t stop there. The applications also extend to farms and rooftops, industrial settings, car parks and public centres. The possibilities are endless. Put simply, if a structure already exists then a small wind turbine can likely be easily implemented.

A word of advice to detractors 
It’s time to unlearn what many so-called NIMBYs (not in my back yard) associate with wind energy. Many of the conceptions that people have about onshore wind power are likely be misplaced and outdated. Re-education is necessary to better inform people of the reality of wind energy. It is viable, reliable and effective, and should not be overlooked anymore.

With a growing number of organisations looking to do their part for the environment, many employers are investigating solutions which are suitable for the environment that they operate in. If utilised correctly, small wind turbines could be the answer they are looking for.

With the climate crisis ringing alarm bells for people around the globe, the term net zero is not just a buzzword anymore, but an initiative that must continue building momentum. Small wind power offers a viable option for businesses and organisations looking to make steps towards a more sustainable future.

Overall, a complete transition to clean energy and reaching the 2050 climate goal is not a pipe dream. As long as government, business owners and decision makers act with urgency, it can be made a reality. We all should appreciate the advantages of clean energy and clean air, which are better physical and mental health, an improved environment