As the UK moves toward a greener, low-carbon economy, reliable connectivity is becoming crucial to powering a range of sustainable technologies. Last week saw COP29 taking place in Azerbaijan, and whilst notable for its lack of many heads of state, it was attended by our prime minister Sir Kier Starmer, who set out his mission to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 81% based on 1990 levels.

The challenge of meeting these goals will come from a whole range of measures, from electric vehicles and smart grids to renewable energy and connected homes. But for these increasingly smart technologies to work in the most efficient ways possible, it will require seamless communication across this network. Whether in busy urban areas or remote locations, signal boosting technology plays an important role in closing connectivity gaps that could limit the impact of these green technologies.

One key area is the market for electric vehicles, which has experienced a five-fold increase in the UK since 2020. To service this new fleet of vehicles and ensure that it functions smoothly, a huge increase in charging stations is required. In order to download the apps required, and to make payments, it is vital that each location has reliable connectivity. However, many of these are in underground carparks, or in buildings which use building materials that block mobile signal. This has caused a lot of frustration for users, and a headache for the charging companies themselves. This is why, at Connection Solutions, we’ve partnered with a number of major petrol station and supermarket brands, installing mobile signal boosters at a number of sites around the country.

Another key area for achieving our energy targets is the production of renewable energy. To manage fluctuations in energy production sources like wind and solar, connectivity once again plays a crucial role, supporting the broader network of smart devices (part of the IoT) to interact with the power grid to help balance demand and supply. Unlike traditional power sources, renewable energy production doesn’t always align with peak demand periods. To address this, grid storage systems and connected devices must work together to maximise energy efficiency.

Looking forward, a sustainable and connected energy system ultimately requires all smart devices to be able to communicate reliably with each other, and with the grid. Many EV charging stations, smart home devices, and grid-connected appliances are now programmed to draw power when supply is abundant and reduce consumption during peak demand, and signal boosters make these connections stable, allowing devices to respond to grid signals in real-time. For instance, a smart charger might be prompted by the grid to draw power on a sunny afternoon when solar production is high and electricity is inexpensive, while at peak evening hours, the grid can signal connected devices to pause, reducing strain on the system and minimising reliance on fossil fuels. 

By supporting a robust network of connected devices, Connection Solutions is proud to be  contributing to a greener, more efficient energy landscape—one where smart technologies can interact in real-time with the grid, enhancing energy management and helping to reduce carbon emissions.

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