Following a major U-turn on the UK government’s net-zero climate commitments last week, countering the huge investments following last year’s Inflation Reduction Act in the USA, we thought it was a good time to share some of our insights into an industry that we have worked in for a number of years  – and to support the view that there are many opportunities to be had in renewables globally. 

The renewable and sustainable sector has long been a passion for the whole team at dvo. The projects we’ve undertaken span the UK and USA, and we’ve had a front row seat as these industries have grown and developed. This blog tries to make sense of where we are, where we think we will end up and, hopefully, strike a positive note for the future and the UK’s plans for net-zero.

Let’s start at the beginning

Early projects we undertook were almost exclusively in the wind sector. At first this was purely a UK marketing task, driving growth for our clients. We then took on a wider consultancy project to grow and develop a business in the USA, providing training and services to companies in the wind sector. So far so good. We learnt a huge amount driving b2b growth in two markets, working with and developing propositions for companies that straddled the Atlantic.

Not all things are made equal

About 4 or 5 years ago we noticed a clear divergence in growth and optimism between the UK and USA. The latter fuelled by Government support, sustainable job opportunities and – above all – profit opportunities for business in the US. In the UK it’s simply hard to make money in this space, there’s a distinct lack of support and the renewable agenda seems wrapped up in an eco-warrior spiral that takes focus from the real wins for everyone. This is simply not the case in the US and the sector has diverged away from the UK. Europe’s Emissions Trading System is pitted to be the cheaper and more positive focus longer term, but both approaches provide food for though.

The buzz is tangible

Visit a renewable conference in the USA, it’s like being a part of the gold rush. Opportunity, growth, optimism and a can-do attitude prevail. We may deride this, especially us Brits, but it’s real and it matters.

Renewables and the green agenda have a PR problem in the UK

Most mainstream media seem to focus purely on people superglued to the road, tree hugging and any other wild connotations associated with the green agenda. Alongside perpetuating the myth that anything green or renewable is expensive in both the short and long term, it’s simply not true. And what about making money? What about sustainable jobs? What about growth and opportunity?

 Unfortunately the UK government seems indebted (or at least closely allied) to those with an agenda that doesn’t include renewables. Frankly, I’m not sure why. Most of our US work is in Texas – about as Republican as you can get – and not one person we’ve dealt with has mentioned anything about the climate change hoax or other wacky theories. They’re too busy making money. And for us, this is a win-win!

There’s still hope

While recent announcements and delays to the UK’s Net Zero targets may bring uncertainty to people wishing to invest in the sector, it feels like the Tories are just kicking the can down the road to win a few votes. Few can argue against the fact longer term sector growth is inevitable, even if the current government is focused on short termism. This is especially true in a stagnating – some may say failing – economy. If the US is anything to go by, renewables have experienced some of the biggest jobs demand, with wages outstripping average salaries by double digits. Some things need to change in the UK but there is absolutely no reason that we cannot follow the USA’s example. Industries are collectively gearing up for a greener future: jobs, investment (and the benefit of renewable growth) are all there for the taking. The UK is due a renewable second coming.

What about the short to medium term?

That’s where our sales pitch comes in! As a consultancy with a footprint in both the UK and US markets, underpinned with a history of helping UK businesses enter and find success in the US, dvo is well positioned to help companies throughout the renewable supply chain to take advantage of the US market’s growth opportunities.  If you’re sat reading this looking over the fence at the cool kids and want to join in we have an open invitation to get involved! 

So get in touch to see how we can help your business reap the rewards of the US growth in this area.