How renewable energy in Cornwall is powering a greener future

Cornwall is currently powering 37% of its electricity with renewable energy, leading the way with solar, wind, and geothermal projects. Explore how these Cornish initiatives are transforming the county’s energy landscape and driving a greener future. In 2025 Cornwall is committed to developing clean energy resources even further to achieve our own zero-carbon targets.

How KozyKoala provides clean energy for Cornwall

KozyKoala Renewables is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to greener energy. As one of the leading renewable energy companies in Cornwall, we provide consultation and installation services for clean, green energy systems like air source heat pumps or solar PV panels. With a large range of eco-friendly products we've got renewable solutions to power your home, business, or community. With KozyKoala Renewables, Cornwall’s electricity is becoming cleaner and greener every day.

Cornwall's potential to generate clean energy resources

Cornwall’s natural landscape is a treasure trove of sustainable energy potential. Believe it or not he county enjoys up to 1,600 hours of sunshine annually, making it an ideal location for solar PV panels. This Cornish sunlight is harnessed and then converted to power homes and businesses, this natural energy source contributes significantly to Cornwall’s electricity supply. But solar energy is just the start!

The deep waters and strong winds off Cornwall’s epic coastline provide perfect conditions for floating offshore wind projects. These projects aim to take advantage of our powerful coastal winds to generate clean energy resources.
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Currently, 37% of Cornwall’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, showcasing the county’s commitment to clean energy. There's potential to do more, however, to increase this percentage, it’s essential to upgrade the national electricity grid to handle the growing demand for clean energy. Cornwall is actively planning to utilise its natural resources while adapting to climate change challenges.

Floating offshore wind projects

Floating offshore wind projects are revolutionising the way we generate sustainable energy in Cornwall. These projects are designed to harness the region’s coastal winds, which according to the MET Office are some of the strongest in the UK. The development of these projects is not only a win for the environment but also a significant economic boost for the region.
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The UK government is funding the Cornwall FLOW Commission (CFC) through the Shared Prosperity Fund, aiming to enhance local economic benefits. This funding supports the development of infrastructure, ports, and grid systems necessary for the success of floating offshore wind projects. The targets are ambitious 4.5GW by 2035 and an additional 12GW by 2045. (Statistics from Celtic Sea)

Geothermal energy initiatives

​Geothermal initiatives in Cornwall are tapping into the Earth’s natural heat to provide sustainable energy solutions, did you know that the earths core is the same temperature as the surface of the sun! One of the most notable projects is the Eden geothermal project, which has a well that operates at a depth of 5 kilometres. This pioneering effort is a testament to solutions for renewable energy in Cornwall.

The Eden Project also hosts the Growing Point nursery, a facility that uses existing marine geothermal heat for plant cultivation, producing over one million plants annually. This initiative not only supports local food production but also reduces environmental impact.
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Local companies like Geothermal Engineering Ltd are also working on various geothermal power projects, demonstrating the county’s robust commitment to sustainable energy. Innovative projects like the low carbon heat supply system at Jubilee Pool in Penzance, which maintains a constant temperature of 35 degrees, showcase the practical applications of geothermal energy in everyday life. These initiatives are making homes warmer and reducing methane emissions, aligning with broader climate goals.

Future job opportunities in renewable energy

​The transition to greener energy in Cornwall is creating a wealth of job opportunities. There will be a high demand for electricians, heating engineers, energy assessors, and solar PV panel installers as clean energy initiatives expand. These roles are essential for supporting the county’s growing infrastructure.
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The FLOWmark accreditation scheme by Celtic Sea is designed to support training and career pathways in the floating offshore wind sector, further enhancing job prospects in this innovative field.

The MCS Umbrella Scheme we are part of was introduced to support both heating engineers and homeowners, making the process easier while providing access to government grants for a seamless, stress-free renewable energy installation.

Cornwall council's carbon neutral goals

​Cornwall Council is leading the way in carbon reduction, with ambitious goals to become carbon neutral by 2030. Cornwall Council declared a climate emergency in January 2019. Since then, their emissions have decreased by 35%. The goal is to achieve a direct reduction of carbon emissions by 70% by 2030, which is ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.

The EV Infrastructure Strategy outlines plans to enhance EV charging facilities by 2030, making it easier to charge electric vehicles in this area of the UK. This improved accessibility will contribute to reducing the 875,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted annually by road traffic in the area.
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The Carbon Neutral Cornwall Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy that involves working with other organisations and sectors to influence support for carbon neutrality. With quarterly progress reports, the council remains transparent and accountable in its efforts to achieve its carbon targets.

Conclusion

Cornwall’s green energy initiatives are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. From floating offshore wind projects to geothermal energy, Cornwall's pioneering and innovative people are demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand. 
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As Cornwall continues to harness its natural resources and eco-friendly technologies, it sets a powerful example for other regions to follow. By supporting these initiatives, residents and businesses alike can contribute to a cleaner, greener future. We're here to help the supply and installation of renewable energy in cornwall, get in touch to discuss your new air source heating system or solar upgrade.

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