In 2019 I spent an incredibly satisfying holiday driving around northern Norway in an electric car. I was inspired by the infrastructure, and the number of fellow EV drivers on the roads – so different from my UK experiences. Charging up meant weaving in a few waits in small, pretty towns. Since then, renewable infrastructure has improved around the world. And as clean energy transitions accelerate, renewables are integral to meeting climate commitments.
They benefit the planet and communities – and can make for great holidays.
So how do we get on the front foot of the renewables revolution, and find the selling power?
Renewable energy where you stay
Over the last 12 months, Responsible Travel has created a collection of more than 500 holidays that include some renewable-powered accommodation.
This can simply be a property using a green energy tariff, or it can be an accident of location: there are Greek islands approaching renewable energy self-sufficiency, and there are now seven countries over 99 per cent powered by renewables, including Paraguay, Iceland and Nepal.
The collection also includes amazing off-grid properties with solar panels and wind turbines.
At their best, these holidays are actively investing renewables for their communities, too. Take Kapawi Eco Lodge in the Ecuadorean Amazon, which works with local Achuar communities on sustainable development solutions, such as a solar boat for the local school.
Renewable energy on the move
Our growing EV self-drive holiday collection now spans five countries: Croatia, England, Ireland, Italy, and Norway – and counting. We’re asking partners whether they’d be open to making EVs available as an optional upgrade.
Our collection of electric jeep safaris is expanding too, and includes Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana which pioneered electric boats and jeeps in 2014, and Cheetah Plains Lodge in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
What are the challenges?
It can be hard to ask small businesses to invest significant amounts of their own money in decarbonising the holiday supply chain, in practices like installing expensive solar panels. Many operators say that they can’t rely on car hire companies in their area to have enough electric vehicles in their fleet. Others aren’t confident in their region’s charging points, or feel that EVs are too high risk in remote areas. Government support and subsidies are key to progress: see Norway’s successful EV transition.
External funding has helped some companies take steps that they couldn’t do alone. Huck Finn Adventures in Croatia was able to fit its sailing catamarans with electric motors charged by solar panels with EU funding. Indigenous-owned Klahoose Wilderness Resort in British Columbia received a grant from a government First Nation Clean Energy Business Fund for its micro-hydroelectricity project, making it entirely renewable-powered: the lodge organises a back-of-house tour of its impressive set-up for curious guests.
What are the benefits?
Alongside supporting decarbonisation, there are fringe benefits to renewables, too. Electric safari vehicles are quieter and cause less wildlife disturbance than conventional Jeeps; animals are more relaxed, and more likely to thrive and successfully breed.
Renewable energy in the tourism industry can make remote areas self-sufficient, replacing generators that rely on expensive diesel fuel with free energy from the sun. Hotels with solar-powered car ports allow travellers free EV charging.
When communities, not just travellers, benefit from these renewable investments, holiday companies can help the sustainable growth of rural areas, too. It’s fantastic to see renewable energy solutions creating benefits for isolated Indigenous communities, nature, the planet, and tourists all at once – an incredible win:win:win:win for all.
