What Midlands electricians are doing to support a low carbon economy

As the UK aims to reach its target to be net-zero carbon by 2041, the West Midlands is doing lots to contribute to that goal. From building smarter homes and offices, to electric transportation, it would seem we are leading the way in creating a low carbon environment. 

As such, many of these projects require highly skilled electricians and other construction professionals to help accommodate the move to more sustainable living. Keep reading to discover why we should expect electricians to be in extremely high demand over the next ten years. 

Smarter homes 

The West Midlands Combined Authority has pledged to make all newly built homes ‘zero carbon ready’ from 2025. This means any homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than existing homes. Cllr Mike Bird from Walsall Council believes, “By developing new green construction technologies right here in the West Midlands we can help drive the industries of the future and create new jobs for local people.”

This is an ambitious task and the electrical task force will play a vital role in shaping how this might be possible, whilst also helping to achieve the goal. Also, as the electricity grid looks to decarbonise, we should expect to see a rise in more advanced smart home features, outdoing the likes of smart meters, digital voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and smart plugs. 

Clean Air Zone

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, which is expected to come into force in 2021 is another step towards encouraging the use of electric vehicles and greener transportation. The new scheme aims to charge vehicles that aren’t carbon efficient (such as old diesel cars) in high congestion areas of central Birmingham. With the development of the West Midlands Metro as well as the launch of National Express’ fully electric buses, low carbon transportation is becoming a much more appealing way to deliver our needs, all whilst being environmentally friendly. 

There are 20 electric car charging stations in Walsall alone and that number is expected to rise across the region. Birmingham is expected to have 400 new charging stations introduced over the next two years as it was revealed there are more charging points in the City of Westminster than across the whole of the Midlands. Birmingham scored particularly low, with just over 8 charging point per 100,000 people. 

Low carbon energy projects

The government has pledged £3million to fund a trio of projects around the West Midlands that will aim to reduce our carbon footprint. One particular project in Sandwell could potentially be home to a new smart energy grid, which would use our waste to heat homes and businesses. It could also encompass a new smart power grid that would support electric vehicles. 

The West Midlands is leading the way in innovative low carbon technology and we know our electricians will be instrumental in delivering our sustainability requirements. If you too would like to be part of these pioneering projects then an electrical installation course with Walsall College could be the right move to power your future.

Apply now to secure your place for September.  See our Electrical Installation courses.