Part 2: Blowing in the Wind - Unlocking Our Grid's Potential

In Part 1, we had a chat about something that's been a real thorn in the side of our green energy ambitions, the frustrating reality of wasted wind power. We explored how our brilliant wind farms, particularly those up in the blustery North, are often forced to "curtail" their generation, essentially switching off because our electricity grid simply can't handle all that clean power. We also looked at the eye watering sums, over £1.4 billion in 2023, paid out to wind farms not to generate, a cost ultimately borne by all of us. It's a problem that feels a bit like a leaky bucket when we're trying to fill our renewable energy reserves.

But as I promised, this isn't a problem without solutions! Today, I want us to blow away any lingering frustration and focus on the incredible innovation and dedication within our industry that’s tirelessly working to unclog the grid and ensure every single electron from our green energy sources finds its way to where it's needed. We're talking about tangible projects and smart strategies that will truly let the wind blow where it's meant to go!

The Solutions: "Unlocking the Grid's Full Potential"

While this problem can feel a bit like trying to catch the wind, the good news is that our industry is already full of brilliant minds actively working on solutions. It's not a question of "if" we can fix this, but "how fast" and "how intelligently." Here are the key areas where we’re seeing fantastic effort and innovation:

Grid Upgrades: Strengthening the Backbone of Our Energy System

This is the most fundamental answer. We need bigger, stronger motorways for electricity. National Grid ESO, with the regulator Ofgem's backing, has a comprehensive 'Pathway to 2030' plan. This includes massive infrastructure projects like the £4.5 billion Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), a huge subsea transmission line that will run from Peterhead in Scotland all the way down to a point just north of Newcastle. These are enormous undertakings, akin to building entire new national highways, and they take time, often years… if not a decade. But they are absolutely critical to ensuring that the wind and other renewable energy sources in the North can reliably reach the demand centres in the South. It's about ensuring our green electrons can always find their way home.

Energy Storage: Bottling the Breeze for Later

If we can’t transmit all the power now, why not store it? This is where energy storage solutions come into their own. Technologies like large scale grid batteries and pumped hydro storage can literally "bottle the breeze" by storing excess electricity during periods of high wind generation. When the wind drops, or demand peaks, this stored power can then be released back into the grid, smoothing out fluctuations and ensuring a constant, reliable supply of clean energy. Think of it as a giant, smart energy reservoir, ensuring we never have to spill a drop of our precious wind power.

Flexible Demand: Surfing the Energy Waves

This is where smart technology and consumer behaviour can play a massive role. Instead of the grid simply adjusting to our energy usage, what if our energy usage could adjust to the grid? Flexible demand means shifting high energy activities to times when there's an abundance of renewable energy. Imagine your electric vehicle automatically charging when the wind is blowing hardest or your heat pump warming your home during periods of high solar generation. Smart tariffs, which incentivise off-peak usage, are already helping to train us to be more flexible. It’s about building a responsive, intelligent energy ecosystem where demand and supply dance in harmony.

Policy, Regulation, and Collaboration: Orchestrating the Green Revolution

None of these solutions happen in a vacuum. Accelerated regulatory processes from Ofgem, strategic planning from National Grid ESO, and strong policy signals from the government are crucial to give developers the confidence to invest. Furthermore, collaboration between energy companies, technology providers, and government bodies is essential to streamline planning, overcome logistical hurdles, and ensure we’re all pulling in the same direction to unleash the full potential of our green energy infrastructure.

What This Means for Recruitment and Our Green Industry

The challenges posed by wind curtailment, while frustrating, are actually a brilliant opportunity. They highlight the urgent need for a massive injection of talent across the entire energy sector. For us at Hummingbird, it's a direct signal for where the green jobs are blossoming.

For our clients,  the visionary founders, CEOs, Head of People, and HR Directors who are dedicated to cultivating a sustainable future, this is a clear call to action. The ability to identify, attract, and retain the right talent will be the differentiating factor for companies aiming to lead in solving these complex problems. We're going to see a surge in demand for highly specialised experts, including:

Grid and Power Systems Engineers: The architects of the next-generation grid. We need experts in transmission, distribution, and smart grid design, capable of planning and implementing these huge infrastructure projects. They are the ones electrifying our progress.

Energy Storage Specialists: Engineers and developers who can design, implement, and operate utility-scale battery storage, pumped hydro, and other innovative storage technologies.

Project Managers (Infrastructure & Construction): Bringing these multi-billion-pound grid upgrade and storage projects to fruition requires world-class project management expertise, from initial planning through to construction and commissioning. Our industry will be building a brighter future, literally!

Data Scientists and AI Specialists: To optimise grid operations, predict renewable generation, manage flexible demand, and develop smart energy solutions, harnessing the power of data is key.

Software Engineers: Critical for developing the complex algorithms and platforms that enable smart tariffs, demand-side response, and real-time grid management.

Policy and Regulatory Experts: Navigating the complex landscape of energy policy, securing permits, and collaborating with government bodies will be vital. These are the people clearing the regulatory air.

Environmental and Planning Consultants: Ensuring these large-scale projects are developed sustainably and with minimal environmental impact.

At Hummingbird we are recruitment partners… passionate about building a truly sustainable future. We understand the specific technical requirements, but more importantly, we understand the ambition, the values, and the commitment to sustainability that permeates this sector. We’re uniquely positioned to root out the talent that not only possesses the technical know how but also shares your dedication to truly making a difference.

If your organisation is looking to strengthen its roots in sustainable construction, energy and utilities, CCUS, or if you're a professional eager to plant your career in this vital field, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s connect and ensure not a single kilowatt-hour of our precious green energy goes to waste again!

Letting the Wind Blow Where It's Needed

The issue of wasted wind power is a crucial challenge, but it's one we are actively addressing with ingenuity and determination. It reminds us that building a Net Zero future requires integration, infrastructure, and intelligent management.

For Hummingbird, this is about ensuring that the companies at the forefront of this necessary innovation have the brightest minds and the most dedicated hands working to create a truly efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy system. The winds of change are definitely blowing, and we’re here to help you harness them.

If your organisation is looking to power up your team to meet the demands of this exciting new era, or if you're a professional looking for a role where you can truly make an impact on our green energy landscape, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s connect and ensure not a single kilowatt-hour of our precious green energy goes to waste again!