King Charles could be considered the UK’s first “green king”, thanks to his fondness for all things sustainable.
From his Royal Deeside holiday home to the English castle bearing the family name, he has wasted no time focusing a deep passion for renewables on his newly inherited estates.
His website trumpets his ambitions for greener energy, saying: “For over 50 years, the Prince of Wales used his unique position to champion action for a sustainable future.”
Geothermal at Balmoral
Last December it was announced an Aberdeen-based geothermal technology firm had been contracted to look at how the renewable heat source may be brought to Balmoral.
ZeGen Energy has now completed the first phase of the work .
It turns out it is technically feasible to use geothermal resources to heat the royal estate.
ZeGen’s team has mapped out several potential uses of its technology for low-carbon heating there.
Kirsten Pasturel, the firm’s chief executive, said: “The heart of this project lies within the community.
“Not only in provision of low-carbon heating, but also in skills transfer from a local and highly skilled workforce.”
Ms Pastural said it would also deliver new jobs for “young locals wishing to remain in the area”.
Hydropower at Windsor
Windsor Castle is also getting the “green king’s” royal attention.
The oldest occupied castle in the world – built by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century – is powered by two water turbines that were installed in 2011,
Each of the Archimedes screw turbines cost £700,000,
A further £1 million spent on installing them to bring in power from the River Thames.
Production started in 2013 and the royal estate awarded a 15 year contract to operate the turbines with the firm behind the hydropower station on the Thames in Berkshire.
King held his own COP-style event
Last year saw the annual COP summit going to Egypt and former prime minister Liz Truss reportedly told King Charles to abandon his plans to attend, despite his dedication to low-carbon energy.
Buckingham Palace denied the king had been told to stay away.
The monarch held his own event in London, inviting more than 200 guests.
Rishi Sunak replaced Ms Truss as PM before COP27 got under way, but the king still did not attend.
Rewards for green dedication
King Charles has been recognised for his contributions to sustainability and renewable energy initiatives, with the royal winning a string of awards for his contributions to saving the planet.
In May 2017 he was awarded the GCC global leader of change award for his contribution to environmental preservation and protection. The following year saw him win a lifetime achievement award from GQ magazine for his services to philanthropy.
Conversation