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‘You can’t eat electricity’: how rural solar farms became Britain’s latest culture war
The Conversation· 2025-10-31 14:26
Core Viewpoint - The ongoing conflict between green energy initiatives, particularly solar farms, and traditional farming practices in rural Britain highlights a cultural divide, with political parties like Reform UK leveraging this tension for electoral gain [1][4][5]. Group 1: Political Dynamics - Sean Matthews, leader of Reform UK in Lincolnshire, opposes the construction of solar farms, indicating a broader political strategy to position the party as a defender of traditional farming against renewable energy initiatives [1][2]. - Reform UK's funding sources, primarily from fossil fuel interests (approximately 92%), suggest a potential conflict of interest in their anti-renewable stance [2]. - The party aims to mobilize rural voters by framing solar energy projects as a threat to traditional farming, despite evidence of farmer support for climate action [4][5]. Group 2: Farmer Sentiment and Climate Change - Research indicates that 80% of UK farmers are concerned about climate change's impact on their livelihoods, with 87% reporting reduced productivity due to extreme weather [5]. - The identity of farmers as food producers is challenged by the push for energy production through solar farms, leading to a conflict between agricultural productivity and renewable energy goals [6][7]. - The narrative that "you can't eat electricity" reflects farmers' concerns about food security being compromised by land conversion for solar energy [7][8]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The transition to solar energy can lead to significant economic disparities, as tenant farmers may lose productive land without compensation, while landowners benefit financially from energy contracts [9][10]. - The principle of a just transition is at stake, as tenant farmers face potential losses while landowners gain lucrative contracts, raising questions about fairness in renewable energy deployment [10][11]. - Effective green policies must ensure that local communities benefit from renewable energy projects to mitigate opposition and foster support [11][12]. Group 4: Community Engagement and Solutions - Initiatives that involve local communities in renewable energy projects, such as Cwm Arian Renewable Energy, demonstrate a model for fairer deployment that can support local economies [12]. - Highlighting the economic benefits of renewable energy, such as reduced energy costs (estimated at £104 billion from wind energy), could help alleviate resistance from the farming community [13]. - The challenge remains to integrate farmers' voices into the green transition, ensuring they are seen as partners rather than obstacles to achieving climate goals [14].
Iron & Earth to Host Climate Crossroads: Pathways to Energy Equity During Canada Climate Week Xchange
Newsfile· 2025-10-21 14:10
Core Insights - Iron & Earth is hosting an event called Climate Crossroads: Pathways to Energy Equity during Canada Climate Week Xchange (CCWX) to foster connections in the renewable energy sector [1][2] - The event aims to address transformations in the energy industry and future job opportunities in renewable energy, targeting professionals and students interested in the green economy [1][2] Company Overview - Iron & Earth is a non-profit organization focused on facilitating a Just Transition by lowering barriers to participation in the green economy, promoting community-driven transformation for sustainability [4] - The organization operates four key programs: Renewable Skills Initiative, Prosperous Transition Campaign, Community Talks, and Climate Career Portal, all aimed at enhancing energy literacy and supporting career transitions in renewable sectors [4] Event Details - Climate Crossroads: Pathways to Energy Equity will take place on November 28, 2025, from 9 AM to 5 PM EST at The Innovation Complex at the University of Toronto Mississauga [7] - CCWX is a five-year initiative designed to unite Canadians to collaborate on climate-related challenges, with the inaugural event scheduled from November 24 to November 30, 2025 [5]
SBM Offshore signs Share Purchase Agreement with GEPetrol
Globenewswire· 2025-06-04 17:20
Core Points - SBM Offshore has signed a Share Purchase Agreement for the full divestment of its equity interest in the FPSO Aseng to GEPetrol, with an operational transition phase lasting up to 12 months [1][2] - The divestment aligns with SBM Offshore's strategy to rationalize its Lease & Operate portfolio, consistent with other recent transactions [2] Company Profile - SBM Offshore is recognized as a global expert in deepwater ocean infrastructure, focusing on the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities [3] - The company aims to deliver cleaner and more efficient energy production while unlocking new markets within the blue economy [3] Workforce and Commitment - SBM Offshore employs over 7,800 professionals worldwide, collaborating to provide innovative solutions and promote a sustainable future [4]