20 years and breaking ground

Today marks exactly 20 years since the incorporation of Juno Energy Ltd and also an exciting milestone, as construction begins at the Copse Close Solar Farm in Hampshire.

Juno Energy started its life in marine energy, when the renewable sector was still emerging and many of today’s technologies were only just beginning to find their place.

Over the past two decades, the landscape has evolved extensively. Policy frameworks and financial support have risen and fallen like the tide. Renewables have moved firmly into the mainstream, helping to mitigate climate change and strengthen energy security, and of course we now face a new headwind; the urgent need to transform our electricity grid. A challenge that, at the turn of the millennium, existed only in the minds of academics and industry insiders.

I’ve also seen a welcome step change in the way communities benefit from distributed energy, with local ambition growing in both scale and importance to secure real upside for local people.

Along the way, Juno has built hard-won experience; through challenges, painful learning, and significant successes. I am proud to have supported the consenting of major nationally important projects, notably including Berwick Bank, Morlais, and Copse Close Solar Farm, and to have contributed to the delivery of over £70 million of generation infrastructure. I look forward to seeing much more delivered in the years ahead.

As I reflect on the lessons of the past 20 years, the breadth and diversity of work required to support this industry never ceases to amaze me. Almost every subject I studied many years ago comes into play; from maths, science and engineering, through biology, geography, creative thinking, languages, oratory, philosophy, and psychology. There are so many facets to the singular task of generating power to support an electricity network that is ever more embedded in daily life. I think it is this variety that has attracted the inspirational and talented people I have worked alongside, and the tenacious attitude of the businesses driving the energy transition forward. I’m forever grateful for the help I have received along the way.

As we look ahead, the challenges remain substantial, but so too does the opportunity.

Onward!