As the push towards sustainable energy in the UK accelerates, the expansion of renewable energy projects like solar and wind power has become a national focus. The UK were awarded 131 clean energy projects in September 2024, which will power the equivalent of 11 million homes with ‘homegrown’ energy once completed.
With solar power a key element of the developments, Chancellor Rachel Reeves ending the effective ban on onshore wind farms and over £24 billion secured in private investment for clean energy projects at the 2024 International Investment Summit, the UK is clearly stepping up its energy infrastructure. This policy shift aligns with the UK’s ambitious sustainability targets, such as increasing offshore wind capacity to 40 GW by 2030 and scaling up solar energy to meet growing demand.
With the influx of infrastructure projects, the need for supporting facilities has become a priority for developers and contractors. That’s where temporary modular buildings come in.
Choosing temporary for a lasting impact
Temporary or hire buildings will form a vital part of the solution as the UK increases its energy infrastructure, particularly for solar farms and onshore wind developments. These solutions provide flexible, efficient facilities that suit even remote and challenging locations, with benefits including:
1. Flexibility
For projects that need immediate infrastructure without the long lead times or permanency of traditional construction, temporary facilities provide rapid construction and deployment to support important infrastructure projects. These high quality buildings can serve multiple functions, from office and welfare spaces to storage facilities, and can be disassembled and relocated as needed, making them ideal for short-term or phase-based projects.
2. Costs
Temporary modular buildings offer a cost-effective solution compared to traditional construction. As temporary facilities can be installed quickly, without the need for extensive foundations or long-term infrastructure investments, overall expenses are often significantly reduced, especially in remote or difficult to access locations.
3. Sustainability
A rental structure also aligns with the wider sustainability goals of renewable energy projects. Due to their flexibility and ability to be refurbished and recycled, they fulfil a circular economy, reducing the embodied carbon of the overall project. At Premier Modular, our guiding principle of zero waste to landfill supports sustainable initiatives even further. As rental buildings can be in place for years at a time, they can also be fitted with renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting or ‘smart’ plug sockets to reduce overall energy use.
Accelerating eco-expansion
As the UK steps up its efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, it’s time that temporary buildings have their moment in the spotlight.
These structures offer environmentally conscious infrastructure solutions for solar and wind energy projects that excel in supporting the sustainable values at the heart of development. With energy-efficient design, superior insulation and sustainable materials, temporary buildings are designed to minimise waste throughout their lifetime.
Proving to be a key enabler in the expansion, particularly in the solar and wind sectors, these buildings support the dynamic needs of renewable energy developments and meet the nation’s ambitious climate targets.
By offering rapid, adaptable and sustainable infrastructure solutions, temporary buildings aren’t just a practical choice, but a crucial component in the global shift towards a sustainable future.
Considering temporary buildings for your next energy project? Get in touch with a member of the team today.
