Aggreko: Supply Chain Fragility Top Clean Energy Concern

The UK’s energy transition hinges on the resilience of its supply chains, as highlighted by Aggreko’s recent research.

In its report, 'Rebalancing the Energy Transition,' the energy solutions provider reveals that supply chain fragility is the top concern among UK business leaders aiming to meet energy transition targets. This concern outweighs even investment shortages and restricted access to advanced technologies.

Aggreko’s findings expose the critical need for collaboration across industries to tackle these risks. The report advocates stronger partnerships to bolster supply chains, improve access to innovative technology and secure the necessary funding to drive progress.

Supply chain challenges and CEO concerns

The report paints a clear picture of the challenges ahead, with CEOs citing supply chain resilience as the most significant obstacle to energy transition goals.

Alan Dunne, Aggreko’s Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, highlights the urgency of this issue: “High energy costs and fluctuating energy security and resilience have continued to be a challenge for businesses.

"However, supply chain issues are clearly the biggest risk posed to energy transitions in the eyes of leaders.”

To tackle these challenges, Alan urges businesses to work closely with supply chain partners, saying: “It is imperative that businesses engage with expert partners across the supply chain to identify practical ways to reach ESG goals while keeping operations efficient and profitable.”

This call to action comes as the UK Government renews its commitment to renewable energy development.

Initiatives such as the Clean Power 2030 programme aim to streamline energy project approvals and address barriers to progress.

Meanwhile, recent proposals, such as shifting approval authority for onshore wind projects exceeding 100MW from local councils to government ministers, reflect a push for faster project deployment.

Business ambition meets supply chain collaboration

Despite the challenges, UK businesses remain determined to achieve sustainability targets.

Aggreko’s research reveals that eight in 10 CEOs plan to increase investment in energy transition initiatives within the next year. Notably, the UK leads surveyed countries with 52% of CEOs modifying only short-term energy goals while remaining steadfast in its commitment to long-term net zero objectives.

Aggreko sees this ambition as a foundation for collaboration, emphasising that supply chain partnerships are critical for success.

The report calls for innovative approaches that align business goals with government initiatives like Clean Power 2030. These partnerships aim to address supply chain vulnerabilities and deliver efficient, environmentally sound solutions.

Alan acknowledges this dual focus on profitability and sustainability, stating: “With continued uncertainty around energy cost and resilience, businesses in the UK are facing the challenge of balancing profitability and sustainability.

"Much like the government and its Clean Energy 2030, UK businesses remain ambitious in making their energy transitions. However, our research has found that barriers and challenges still remain, even though the ambition to fund the energy transition is there.”

Energising change

Aggreko’s sustainability strategy, 'Energising Change,' offers a roadmap for addressing supply chain concerns and advancing energy transition goals. This approach centres on delivering practical, efficient technologies tailored to meet evolving business needs.

Through its Greener Upgrades portfolio, Aggreko provides solutions like battery energy storage systems and Stage V generators. These technologies help businesses enhance sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency.

Alan also stresses the importance of matching the right technologies with expertise, saying: “Making a success of the energy transition relies heavily on businesses having the right technologies and solutions for their requirements, along with the expertise to implement it correctly.

"While reliable energy supply and stable costs remain in the balance for the UK, working with expert energy supply partners can provide businesses with this to provide resilience and cost efficiency throughout the energy transition.”

As the UK accelerates renewable energy development and infrastructure projects, the path forward will depend on overcoming supply chain challenges.

Collaboration across industries, supported by innovative solutions, is vital to ensuring that the UK’s energy transition delivers on both environmental and economic ambitions.

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